9th Annual “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle

Now in its ninth year, the “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle has become one of the North Okanagan’s most recognized community fundraising events, raising more than $222,000 for charities supporting women, children, and youth. Founded by Kristin Holomis in 2018 and now co-led with her sister Linsey, the annual paddle combines personal challenge with community impact.

This year’s goal is to raise $30,000 to help ensure local youth continue to have access to counselling, food security, family support, peer support, and connections to housing, health care, and community resources as YISH transitions to Foundry North Okanagan. Community support is especially important as YISH currently relies on fundraising and grant funding to maintain services during this transition.

YISH supports approximately 300 young people each year and provides vital services for youth facing mental health challenges, family difficulties, housing insecurity, and other barriers to well-being. As communities across the North Okanagan continue to navigate the impacts of recent wildfires, YISH is also helping young people cope with climate anxiety, uncertainty, displacement, and recovery from wildfire-related trauma, providing a safe place to access counselling, support, and connections to care during difficult times.

Every donation helps ensure young people in the North Okanagan have somewhere safe to turn when they need support most, whether they are facing everyday challenges or recovering from the emotional impacts of a crisis.