Kelowna residents are coming together to support the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation for the 2024 Day of Giving.
“This journey needs all of us,” said Whit Penner, a family man who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36.
While his cancer diagnosis seemed frightening and isolating, Penner was far from alone in his journey. Last year, more than 7,500 people underwent surgery or were admitted for cancer-related care at the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH).
On Wednesday, May 15, the annual KGH Day of Giving is dedicated to raising funds to advance cancer care at the hospital and minimize patient travel to access treatments. Funds will be directed towards medical imaging, pathology, surgical oncology and innovation at Kelowna’s hospital.
All funds raised on the Day of Giving, up to $500,000, will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
“The annual fundraiser is a one-day call to action for the community to come together in support of excellence in local health care,” said Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation.
The KGH Day of Giving supports the equipment and innovations needed to support advanced imaging, faster and more accurate test results, more effective and less invasive procedures, and enhanced patient care in Kelowna.
Since its inception seven years ago, the Day of Giving has raised almost $4.6 million in support of KGH and community health care.
There are several ways to give to the foundation.
On May 15, people can call 250-862-4438 or attend the drive-thru donation station at Rose Ave and Pandosy Street, which will be open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.
People can also donate online at kghfoundation.com.
Additionally, people can give by eating at Pita Pit locations in Kelowna from May 1 - 14.
From May 1, until May 14, $1 from all pitas purchased at Central Okanagan Pita Pit locations will be donated to the KGH Foundation in support of the Day of Giving.
Pavneet Singh, the BC United candidate for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream, owns the five Pita Pit locations.
To learn more visit kghfoundation.com/day-of-giving/.