For a local pair of paddlers taking on the length of Kalamalka Lake, youth mental health is worth standing up for.
Kristin Holomis is back with her sister Linsey Johannson for the eighth annual Stand Up For charity paddle July 25, focused on Foundry this year.
Taking on an approximately 18-kilometre stand-up paddleboard journey with other supporters, the event will help bring the creation of a Foundry North Okanagan to town.
The new youth services hub being constructed and operated by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a one-stop wellness centre where young people ages 12 to 24 and their families can find hope, help and support when they need it.
鈥淓ach day, we hear from young people in our community who feel anxious, isolated and are unsure where to turn. The pressures they face 鈥� social media, financial strain, trauma, substance use, and a fractured health care system 鈥� are overwhelming,鈥� said Vicki Proulx, director of fund development at CMHA Vernon & District. 鈥淲ith 70 per cent of mental health issues beginning before age 18, many youth suffer silently, too afraid to ask for help or lost in a system they can鈥檛 navigate. We want to ensure they can access the services they need.鈥�
Currently, there are 18 Foundry locations across B.C., with Vernon鈥檚 location being one of the next round of facilities planned and expected to be completed in 2027.
Their services empower young people to manage mental-health challenges and connect with peers and professionals enabling them to cope, grow and thrive in a safe, supportive environment. They can get everything from mental-health support, to medical care and assistance finding job placements, all under one roof.
鈥淭his is exactly the kind of place we need to help our youth thrive," Holomis said. "It鈥檚 very exciting to be able to help support this incredible milestone in working towards building a stronger and healthier community.鈥�
鈥淎s a mother of two teens, I can personally attest to the struggles and pressures that today's youth face," Johannson said. "Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin to get help. The Foundry will provide an invaluable all-encompassing hub accessible to all youth and will have a positive impact on the whole community.鈥�
Loving a challenge, the goal of the paddle is to give back and help the local community that raised them with a focus on charities that benefit women, children and youth. The sisters have set their goal at an ambitious $25,000 and are determined to hit it even before they hit the water.
Over the years, the pair have raised more than $185,000 for the local community with Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative, KidSport Okanagan, The People Place, Archway Society, Starfish Pack, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society and The Sunflower Childcare Centre being their past recipients.
鈥淎ll of us have a youth in our life 鈥� a child, grandchild, neighbour, friend. We want to ensure they can be the very best they can be and that means they have access to health services when they need it," Proulx said. "Funds raised during the paddle will move us closer to launching Foundry North Okanagan and it鈥檚 a tangible way of showing our youth that they matter.鈥�
Donate at .
