Kelowna’s Parade With A Purpose partners with KGH Foundation for mental health
- Okanagan Echo
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Parade with a Purpose has partnered with the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation (KGH) for its next edition to advance mental health care in the community.
The event was created in 2020 by mother-daughter team, Pam Turgeon and Shadia Doty, after losing Pam’s son and Shadia’s husband and brother to mental illness and addiction.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with the KGH Foundation,” Doty said in a statement. “Together, we have the opportunity to further our impact on acute and community-based mental healthcare, and create lasting, positive change.”
The parade began with just three floats in Kettle Valley and has grown into a yearly holiday event in downtown Kelowna.
Over the past four years, the parade has raised more than $700,000 for The Bridge Youth & Family Services, helping to fund the Phase 2 Youth Recovery House, a live-in program for youth aged 12–18 facing serious substance use and mental health challenges.
“Working with The Bridge was truly transformative,” Turgeon said. “Now, with that goal realized, we’re energized to channel that momentum into our next chapter in supporting mental health.”
This year’s Parade with a Purpose marks a new partnership with the KGH Foundation,
“Pam and Shadia’s courage, passion, and relentless dedication are nothing short of inspiring,” said Allison Young, Foundation CEO. “We are deeply grateful and incredibly proud to stand beside them and work together to strengthen and re-imagine mental health care in our community.”
The KGH Foundation’s commitment to mental health includes the“We See You” campaign in partnership with CMHA Kelowna, the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Kelowna Community Resources, and Interior Health.
Another notable achievement is the opening of Foundry Kelowna in 2017, which supports young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Parade With A Purpose returns to downtown Kelowna on December 6. The community is invited to sponsor a float, volunteer, or attend the parade in support.
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