Holding its annual Camp Out to End Youth Homelessness event a week after the sudden passing of its founder, A Way Home Kamloops Society passed its fundraising goal in a big way.
The society raised a record $150,000, which was triple its goal. The fourth-annual event was held virtually on Dec. 11, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants camping in their backyards.
This year’s edition was held with heavy hearts, after the society’s founder Katherine McParland passed away suddenly on Dec. 4, at the age of 33. McParland was a fierce advocate for preventing youth homelessness. She experienced homelessness herself after aging out of the foster care system and fought tirelessly – on a local, provincial, and federal level – to make sure other young people did not have to go through the same experience.
“Despite the many barriers presented by COVID-19, Camp Out proceeded as scheduled with the experience of the first snowfall. Many of us felt this was a sign that Katherine was with us,” the society says in a news release.
“We all shared memories and our love for Katherine, and the love she had for us. Although Katherine was dearly missed this year, the youth, alongside [programs manager Kira Cheeseborough] put together heartfelt pieces dedicated to Katherine’s legacy.”
A big chunk of money raised came from the Kelson Group, a locally-founded property management company, with president Jason Fawcett donating $23,000, having camped out with his daughter in their yard.
“It was a cold night but a great experience for us to better understand how difficult it is not to have a warm place to sleep,” Fawcett says. “We had great support in our fundraising efforts from friends, family and companies that work with Kelson Group. We were overwhelmed with the generosity that helped A Way Home raise a record amount.”
Camp Out committee member, Patti Phillips, says board members know McParland would’ve been grateful for the community support of this year’s event. “Our youth go through so many struggles both mentally and physically, these donations will help give them the support they need to be able to live productive, healthy lives,” she says.
Cheeseborough says youth in Kamloops have showed strength to take part in and preserve the camp out, in McParland’s honour.
“In her life, she was a beacon of light that moved us all into action. She spread inspiration, love and hope boundlessly to the world. In her passing, we’ve come together to ensure her light continues bringing hope for future generations of youth,” Cheeseborough says.
“Thank you to everyone who supported her life’s work and our continued mission to ending and preventing youth homelessness.”
The society says it is hoping the fifth-annual camp out, which will happen in December, can once again happen in person.
