News and Stories

Two women are standing side by side and smiling at the camera. Allyson Graf is on the left with mid length blonde hair and a cream jacket, Sharon Peterson is on the right with shoulder length auburn hair and a grey sweater.

Allyson’s Y is Evolution

For the last 25 years Allyson Graf has been a trailblazer at the Y, leading start up projects which have now evolved into entire departments and overseeing many exciting firsts for the charity. It’s surprising just how many current programs our new President & CEO had her hands in at the beginning, and how deep her roots are within the organization.

A woman in a patterned blouse is holding baby boy to her chest at a child care centre. The baby is asleep with his hand on her neck.

Young Parent Program supports with basic needs, child care, education and more

Young Parent Program supports young families with basic needs, child care, education and more The YMCA Young Parent Program is a free community program designed to empower young parents under the age of 20.

Dream home in the background with bubbles showing a child smiling in a hospital bed and another bubble with a man playing wheelchair basketball in a gym

Lake Life Lottery to launch with a splash in Southern Interior

Lottery to support community health and wellness  Media are invited to attend the launch of the inaugural Lake Like Lottery – the first lottery in the Interior of B.C. that gives residents the chance to win luxurious prizes while supporting physical, mental and social health initiatives and services in the Southern Interior.

15 community members of all ages from senior to child, holding hands in a pool and looking up at the camera. Their bodies are forming the shape of a heart.

Same Y, New Name

Our local YMCA changes name to the YMCA of Southern Interior BC Our local YMCA is growing, and with it comes some exciting plans along with a new name — The YMCA of Okanagan is now officially the YMCA of Southern Interior BC.  This change was made to better reflect the communities the charity currently serves, and those it plans to serve, outside the Okanagan. 

Four men in golf attire are standing outside on a golf course on a beautiful sunny day. They are all smiling at the camera and surrounded by a white frame they are holding around themselves. The men range in age from 30-55.

A Record-Breaking Charity Golf Tournament

$86,000 was raised in support of the YMCA’s Strong Kid Campaign. The 12th Annual Wilson M. Beck Charity Golf Tournament held at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club on July 18th saw players “swinging for a great cause” – to provide local children and families in need equal access to YMCA programs.

A young woman with glasses, brown hair and brown eyes is kneeling in front of a classroom table smiling at a 7 year old girl sitting at the table. The young girl has shoulder length brown hair, and her back is to the camera as she looks down at an open notebook in front of her.

Beyond the Bell bridges the gap for low-income children

Beyond the Bell started when a local principal reached out to the YMCA in hopes of a program that would ensure no child falls behind. This particular school had a high poverty rate in comparison with others and children were falling through the cracks — unable to keep up with literacy, numeracy as well as social and emotional learning targets.