Paddlers Battled Rain, 12°C Temperatures, Headwinds and Whitecaps to Complete the 18KM Paddle Across Kalamalka Lake For Local Charity
Okanagan Valley, BC (September 1, 2026) — Rain, cold temperatures, relentless headwinds and whitecaps couldn’t stop the 9th Annual “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle from surpassing its fundraising goal and reaching a major milestone for the North Okanagan community.
On Saturday, August 29, sisters Kristin Holomis and Linsey Johannson, alongside their paddle team and support crew, completed the 18-kilometre paddle across Kalamalka Lake in support of the Youth Integrated Services Hub (YISH), raising over $37,000 through online and offline donations.
The latest campaign brings the Stand Up For Charity Paddle’s nine-year fundraising total to $258,000 for local charities — officially surpassing the quarter-million-dollar mark.
This year’s paddle was also the toughest yet.
With temperatures hovering around 12°C, rain falling for the entire journey and a significant headwind creating whitecaps across much of the lake, the team took a slow and steady approach, completing the paddle in five hours and fifteen minutes.
“This year’s paddle serves as a powerful reminder that resilience is not about avoiding challenges, but finding the strength to keep going through them,” says Vicki Proulx, Director of Development and Communications at CMHA Vernon & District. “The perseverance demonstrated on Kalamalka Lake mirrors the journeys of many young people accessing YISH services. We are deeply grateful for the funds raised, which will help us continue supporting youth as they navigate their own challenges and build confidence for the future.”
The difficult conditions made surpassing this year’s $30,000 fundraising goal even more meaningful. Funds raised will support YISH, operated by CMHA Vernon & District, which provides counselling, food security, family support and connections to essential services for young people across the North Okanagan. YISH supports approximately 300 local youth each year and continues to provide critical services as it transitions into Foundry North Okanagan.
“Reaching $32,500 this year is incredible, but realizing that this community has now helped us raise more than a quarter of a million dollars over nine years is pretty hard to wrap our heads around,” says Holomis. “This paddle has always been about showing what can happen when a community gets behind organizations doing important work right here at home. We are incredibly grateful to every person who donated, shared our campaign or helped us get the word out.”
Founded by Holomis in 2018 as a way to give back to the community that raised her, the Stand Up For Charity Paddle has grown into an annual North Okanagan fundraising tradition. Now co-led with her sister Linsey Johannson, the initiative has supported local organizations benefiting women, children and
youth, including the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative, KidSport Okanagan, The People Place, Archway Society, Starfish Pack, NOYFSS, The Sunflower Centre, Foundry North Okanagan and YISH.
This year’s paddle would not have been possible without the incredible paddle team and support crew who braved the cold, rain and rough conditions alongside Kristin and Linsey. From paddling alongside them to keeping everyone safe, fuelled and moving forward, their support was essential in getting the team across the lake.
“We truly could not have done this one without our paddle team and support crew,” says Johannson. “Those conditions tested all of us, and having such an incredible group out there supporting, encouraging and looking out for each other made all the difference. This has always been a team effort, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped get us across the lake.”
The paddle was also made possible by the generosity of individual donors and the continued support of the local business community. Special thanks go to Simolo Customs, R.E. Postill & Sons, Nixon Earthworks, Priscilla & Co Realty, Toro’s Liquor Store, Maxton Panels, Kalco Fencing, Chelsea Kramer Notary Corp, Aaron Nasipayko Sun Life, Stone Fence & Furniture and Corner Optical for supporting this year’s campaign.
Kristin and Linsey also extend a special thank you to Beach Radio and Brian and Rebecca for their continued support in promoting the paddle, along with CBC Daybreak and Valley FM for helping share this year’s story with the community.
“Whether you paddled with us, supported us from shore, donated $20, sponsored the paddle, shared a post or simply told a friend about what we were doing, you helped us get here,” says Holomis. “Thank you for continuing to show up for this paddle year after year. We couldn’t do it without you.
9th Annual “Stand Up For” Charity Paddle Raises $37,000 for YISH
