We are looking for new Board Members!

 

Join the Elevation Outdoors Board of Directors: Be a Leader in Empowering Youth

Elevation Outdoors is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join our Board of Directors! This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community, supporting youth, mental health, and access to outdoor activities.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all ages and abilities, all gender identities and sexual orientations, those who identify as Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour, as well as individuals with lived experiences of poverty or mental health challenges.

Why Join the Board?

As a board member, you’ll provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance to Elevation Outdoors. Your contributions will directly shape the future of our organization, helping to break down barriers and create opportunities for youth to thrive through outdoor activities.

Board members support Elevation Outdoors by:

  • Establishing organizational policies and goals
  • Monitoring finances and ensuring long-term sustainability
  • Creating and updating our strategic plans
  • Supporting the Executive Director and key organizational initiatives
  • Representing Elevation Outdoors in the community

We are specifically seeking candidates with expertise in communication, evaluation/impact measurement, and human resources, though we welcome all interested individuals to connect with us.

Rationale

Board members set organizational policies and goals and delegate authority to the Executive Director to implement them in the day-to-day management of the organization. Individual members of the board, however, have no authority to act independently of the full board. When they do, it can seriously damage the organization’s ability to carry out its mission, board team spirit, and the organization’s image in the community. Board members who abuse their position this way may be disciplined or censured.
Board members are also trustees of the organization who approve an annual budget that ensures it can meet its financial needs. In addition, board members monitor the overall financial health of the organization by reviewing the annual report of the accountant recommended by the Treasurer and approved by the board. The Executive Director retains responsibility for the day-to-day operational expenditures.
Board members should attend all meetings and actively participate in them. Board members have the responsibility to know and fulfill their role, and to act in the best interest of Elevation Outdoors.

What We’re Looking For

Ideal candidates will have:

  • Experience in non-profits, youth work, mental health, education, communication, evaluation/impact measurement, and human resources
  • A passion for creating meaningful change in the community
  • Leadership experience and knowledge of board governance practices
  • Skills in fundraising, grant writing, or educational settings (considered assets)

Time Commitment

Our board meets bi-monthly during lunch hours, with meetings typically lasting one hour. Additional time may be required for committee participation, resource development, and special projects. We understand that members have varying personal and professional commitments and strive to create a flexible, supportive environment.

Ready to Get Involved?

This is your chance to join a dedicated team making a difference in the lives of youth. To express your interest or learn more about this opportunity, please contact our Board Chair, Tori Hanson, at [email protected].
Know someone who might be a great fit? Please share this opportunity within your networks.
Deadline to express interest: January 5, 2025

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

Keeping the passion going!

More Than an Introduction: Creating a Lasting Impact Through Snowboarding

At Elevation Outdoors, we work tirelessly to remove the barriers our graduates face when accessing the activities we introduce them to. Teaching participants to snowboard and helping them discover a new passion fosters a positive life shift that extends beyond the slopes, but we know that real lasting change takes place when we reduce the challenges they face in continuing that journey.

Every winter, Elevation Outdoors takes a step in empowering youth by providing season passes to Big White Ski Resort for graduates of our previous winter’s snowboard programs. Since launching this initiative in 2022, we’ve been able to offer up to 40 passes annually, with 15–20 graduates utilizing them each season.

By providing season passes, we’re not just creating an opportunity for our participants to stay active in winter—we’re opening a door to a lifelong passion that builds confidence and strengthens both physical and mental health. These passes ensure that our graduates can continue snowboarding and benefit from the activity long after their time in our programs.

A Program That Changes Lives

For many families, the cost of a season pass is a significant obstacle. By removing that barrier, we ensure that our graduates can sustain their love for snowboarding without financial strain. 

We’ve seen incredible stories of transformation: participants who’ve found jobs to support their snowboarding journey, parents who’ve rediscovered their own love of the sport to bond with their children, and one graduate who will return this season as a volunteer to inspire the next generation. 

Partners in Progress: The Stober Foundation and Big White

This initiative is possible thanks to the enduring support of our partners. 

The Stober Foundation’s financial support is another cornerstone of this program. Their commitment allows us to address the long-term barriers faced by our participants, helping us create meaningful change and provide ongoing access to snowboarding. 

Big White Ski Resort has been a proud supporter of Elevation Outdoors since our programs began in 2008. Their generosity, through discounted season passes, has made it feasible for us to extend this opportunity to so many youth. Together, these partnerships are crucial in creating a lasting impact for the youth we serve.

We are committed to ensuring this program continues to grow and thrive. As our snowboard programs expand, so does our ability to impact more lives. It’s only through the long-term, stable support of partners like the Stober Foundation and Big White that we can truly reduce barriers, deepen our impact, and help our graduates maintain their connection to snowboarding.

Equipping Graduates for Success

In addition to passes, we provide graduates with the equipment they need—snowboards, jackets, pants, and more—through our partnership with Play It Again Sports. These resources, made possible by community donations, ensure that participants have everything they need to continue their snowboarding journey.

How You Can Help

The community plays a vital role in sustaining this program. Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Donate Gear: Drop off gently used sports equipment at Play It Again Sports under the Elevation Outdoors account, which allows our participants to shop for the gear they need.
  • Sponsor a Seat: Fund a spot in our snowboard program, giving youth the chance to participate at no cost. With a donation of $750 it creates an opportunity for someone to take part in the program this year and receive a season pass in a future year!
  • Holiday Giving: Contribute to our annual holiday campaign to support programs that reduce barriers to access.

By working together, we’re not just introducing youth to snowboarding—we’re creating opportunities for them to stay active, build confidence, and embrace a lifelong passion. Together, we’re changing lives, one run at a time.

 

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

Bikes for all is back for 2024!

Bikes for All: Elevation Outdoors and Smith Creek Cycle Launch 4th Annual Community Bike Giveaway Program

Kelowna, BC — Elevation Outdoors and Smith Creek Cycle are thrilled to announce the fourth year of the Bikes for All program, an initiative dedicated to putting bicycles into the hands of community members who face barriers to accessing them. This year, the program aims to give away up to 100 bikes, just in time for the Holiday season.

Since the program began, Bikes for All has given away over 250 bikes to members of the community, including new Canadian families and individuals who needed a little extra help to provide bikes for their children at Christmas. Elevation Outdoors, a local charity, and Smith Creek Cycle, a well-known bike shop in West Kelowna, are working together to collect, repair, and distribute bikes to deserving individuals and families. Anyone in the community is welcome to nominate someone they believe would benefit from receiving a bike, with the organizers striving to match recipients with appropriately sized bicycles. Nominations are open from October 1 through December 1, 2024.

“We believe in the power of bicycles to transform lives,” says Brian McClelland, owner of Smith Creek Cycle. “Owning a bike can make a significant impact, providing a source of transportation, exercise, and joy. We want to help break down the barriers that prevent people from experiencing this.”

There is no cost for the recipients of the bikes, as the goal is to simply get more people on bikes. The program relies on generous community donations of bicycles and volunteer support. Donations of bikes that are 15 years old or newer are encouraged, and the program is also seeking volunteer mechanics to help ensure the bikes are in good condition. In addition, financial contributions are welcome to help cover the costs of bike repairs and to purchase additional new bikes for the program.

Bikes can be donated to either Smith Creek Cycle in West Kelowna or Elevation Outdoors in Kelowna during business hours.Financial donations can also be made online at https://elevationoutdoors.ca/social-impact/bikesforall/. To make this year’s program a success, Elevation Outdoors is also seeking sponsors to help cover the costs of purchasing bikes and components. Interested sponsors can contact Laura at [email protected].

Community members and businesses can get involved in several ways:

  • Donate a Bike: Clear out your garage and donate bikes that are 15 years old or newer.
  • Volunteer: Skilled volunteer mechanics are needed to help tune up donated bikes.
  • Financial Contributions: Donations will help cover the costs of repairing bikes and purchasing new ones.

To nominate someone for a bike or to learn more about how you can get involved, visit: https://elevationoutdoors.ca/social-impact/bikesforall/.

Let’s come together to make this holiday season brighter for those in need. Bikes for All is more than just a giveaway; it’s an opportunity to change lives, one bike at a time.

Media Contact:
Laura Dunne
Elevation Outdoors
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://elevationoutdoors.ca

 

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

We are looking for a new Fund Development Coordinator.

Elevation Outdoors is Hiring!

Apply Today!

Come help us change lives and have fun doing it.  If you are looking for meaningful work that provides you with a sense of purpose and a flexible schedule look no further.

We are a Kelowna based charity that provides outdoor recreation programs to youth. We provide instruction and life skill development through mentorship and play with a focus on small groups and an experiential learning approach.  Our programs are offered on full and partial scholarships to eligible youth to help them develop life skills and find a passion that can keep them healthy and active for life. Learn more about us at www.elevationoutdoors.ca

As we continue to grow we are looking for a Fund Development Coordinator to join our team. Reporting to our Executive Director, this role is responsible for the planning, management and execution of our current signature fundraising events (On the Lawn and two film festivals), raising money for program sponsorships, third party event support, and donor stewardship and engagement. This role focuses on building long term, mutually beneficial partnerships to ensure diverse and sustainable financial support for Elevation Outdoors’ pursuit of our mission and programs.

The successful candidate will be a well networked, community oriented individual willing to engage with the broader Kelowna and Okanagan Valley community to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones.  The ideal candidate will be highly organized, able to work independently and as part of a team, and understand the importance of strong communication both internally and with external partners and stakeholders.

This person will be responsible for:

  • Proactively developing new and maintaining existing sponsor relationships for events and programs
  • Building new and maintaining existing relationships with community partners and donors
  • Planning and executing our fundraising events both in person and digital/online. This involves securing and maintaining sponsorship commitments, day of set up/tear down(including lifting items up to 45lbs), follow up, volunteer coordination, and auction coordination depending on the event.
  • Developing and fostering relationships with sponsors, partners, vendors, donors and volunteers with the goal of increasing donations and fundraising efforts
  • Developing and executing annual fundraising campaigns
  • Collaborating with our Executive Director to develop, enhance and execute our donor stewardship strategies
  • Attending networking events, community engagement, and public speaking opportunities to raise awareness of Elevation Outdoors and our work
  • Working with our Executive Director on strategic partnerships with other community organizations, corporations and levels of government.
  • Working with our Executive Director to develop and implement a professional and strategic approach to donor cultivation, fundraising, sponsorship and promotion that deepen relationships and build loyalty and retention
  • Updating and maintaining our CRM database, track engagements, and follow up with all stakeholders and donors from our events and campaigns in a timely manner
  • Regular communication with stakeholders through monthly newsletters and other means
  • Working collaboratively with our team to inspire the next generation of passionate outdoor enthusiasts and have a positive impact on our local community. #outsideisthebestside
  • Other tasks as needed for the betterment of the organization.

Qualifications and Skills: 

  • A passion for playing outside and inspiring those around you
  • 3+ years of volunteer or paid experience with event planning and delivery
  • Demonstrated leadership, management, time-management, and multi-tasking abilities
  • 2+ years of experience with the non profit industry and fundraising is preferred but not required
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience developing and managing relationships with a variety of stakeholders
  • A demonstrated ability to work independently as well as work as part of a team with volunteers and staff and an ability to think strategically
  • Knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft programs, CRM systems, and WordPress an asset
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and have a strong attention to detail
  • Flexibility in scheduling to allow for evening and weekend work as well as the ability to meet outside normal business hours based on sponsor and stakeholder needs
  • A driver’s license is required 
  • A clean criminal record with vulnerable sector check is required

This role is currently being offered at 30-35 hours per week, with additional hours during event/campaign periods as needed. Hours are negotiable and flexible. Some evening and weekend work is required. 

Compensation will be based on experience and scope of the role established with our selected candidate, but will be reviewed at 6 months based on performance in the role. Starting range is $26.00/hr to $31.00/hr with access to a Health Spending Account after 3 months. Also included are wellness days, starting at 2 weeks paid vacation, and access to Pro Deals (discounts with outdoor brands).

This is a hybrid position with the ability to work from home as well as from our office, with the requirement to be available in person for some aspects of the role.

Elevation Outdoors is an equity employer and encourages applications from all individuals

who may contribute to the diversity of our workplace. This includes persons with diverse abilities, persons of colour and ethnicity, Indigenous persons (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit), and people of all sexual orientations and genders.

To apply for this role, or one of the the summer positions we currently have available, visit our page on Indeed.

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

A Generous Boost To Our Holiday Giving Campaign!

Elevation Outdoors Receives Generous $10,000 Donation from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo and matched by the Stober Foundation for Holiday Campaign

Kelowna, December 15, 2023 – In the spirit of giving and community support, Elevation Outdoors is delighted to announce the receipt of a significant $10,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo. The Stober Foundation is generously matching this gift with an additional $10,000. This generous contribution will play a pivotal role in bolstering Elevation Outdoors’ ongoing holiday campaign, aimed at sponsoring local youth facing barriers in their newly expanded outdoors programs.

The donation was officially presented by members of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo in front of the Tree of Hope on Dec 14th. The occasion was attended by members of both organizations, symbolizing the strong partnership between the local community and Elevation Outdoors.

Elevation Outdoors is deeply grateful for the ongoing and long term support of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo and the Stober Foundation. The $20,000 combined donation will be instrumental in funding new program seats for youth in their Learn to Shred snowboarding program and Live to Ride mountain biking program, allowing Elevation Outdoors to expand its outreach and make a more significant impact on the lives of youth facing barriers to participation in our community.

Elevation Outdoors remains committed to its mission that no young person should be denied the potential to discover an outdoor sport or pursuit that can help keep him or her motivated, healthy, and happy in life, and this substantial contribution from the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo and Stober Foundation will help positively impact their goals. 

“Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo is proud to support Elevation Outdoors, and has seen the benefits their programs create in the youth of our community. Beyond learning the skills of outdoor sports, we see the leadership, pride, and self-confidence that their participants gain. Having the Stober Foundation match our donation is truly a fantastic holiday gift!” Lisa Wakefield, Co-President Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo. 

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo and the Stober Foundation hope to inspire others to give to Elevation Outdoors and support their vision that all youth, regardless of personal circumstances, should have the opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices and experience personal growth through participation in challenging outdoor pursuits. To make a donation yourself this holiday season go to https://elevationoutdoors.ca/holiday-giving/.

 

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

2022 Bikes for All campaign gets 55 bikes into the community!

“Bikes for All” 2022 was a great success! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The program saw 55 bikes provided to members of our community who would benefit from having access to a bike. With recipients ranging in age from 2 and up the impact on our community will be felt for years! To help get kids started young so they can build a passion and spend a lifetime riding bikes is a gift that cannot be measured in impact.

This year saw another 55 bikes get into the community, which brings the two year total to over 100 bikes! We saw the bikes again getting out to a wide array of families, with more teenagers receiving bikes this year to help them get to and from school and work as well as helping them socialize with friends. Through the support of BikeWays and their team that we were again able to provide the right size bike to all the applicants rather than having to select who would get a bike and who would not. Their support this year helped us secure the needed number of larger bikes that we otherwise would have had to say sorry to.


Some of the more impactful situations that come to mind when we reflect on the families and individuals we met through the program was a Ukrainian family of 6 where all 4 daughters and the parents were able to get a bike, two different Syrian refugee families whose kids grew out of the bikes they got last year, and a mother and son who live a 40 min walk to the nearest bus stop with no vehicle who can now ride to the bus stop and beyond and reclaim a significant amount of time in their lives!


This year we saw the talent of mechanics from Smith Creek Cycle, Cyclepath, Shred Shed, Bikeways and a few experienced mechanics from the community donate their time to help make sure all the bikes were going out in good working order, and the team at Cyclepath took the time to put many of the bikes through their bike wash station to have them looking as good as they could before they went out to the recipients.


With helmets being provided by the team at Brain Trust Canada this program truly is a community coming together to make magic happen for the holiday season.
The Bikes for All program was sparked by Brian at Smith Creek Cycle who saw the need in our community and saw a way that we could come together and make a difference to help get more people on bikes.


Each year the “Bikes for All” program starts to accept bikes by donation at Smith Creek Cycle or the Elevation Outdoors office in September – November, and are then tuned up by a team of volunteers powered by pizza and refreshments. Nominations also open in Sept and run through Dec 1st so we have time to match the bikes with recipients and get them in their hands for the holiday season.



“The bicycle is a simple solution to the worlds most complicated problems.” unknown


If you would like to get involved in this program in the future as a mechanic, donate a bike, financial support or otherwise please send us a message at [email protected] and we will be happy to speak with you.
Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

On The Lawn powered by BDO is back for 2022!

April 20, 2022 – For Immediate Release

Kelowna BC – After a two year hiatus, Elevation Outdoors is excited to announce that On The Lawn powered by BDO, the summer’s favorite charity event, is back for its 6th year!

Presenting Sponsor BDO has renewed their sponsorship of the lawn bowling tournament for another year, helping bring back one of the hottest events of the summer! BDO and Elevation Outdoors are thrilled to host this event within the community with bowling, BBQ, Bevies, Friends, and a bit of friendly competition.

Michael Smith, Senior Manager at BDO stated, “We at BDO could not be more excited for the return of On The Lawn, as well as to continue our work and support of Elevation Outdoors. This event brings such great awareness to an amazing organization and the significant impact that Elevation Outdoors has on youth in our local community.”

In 2019 the OTL team expanded the event from 3 to 4 weeks, opening it up to another 14 teams, and 2022 will see that format continue as a four week event hosting 40 teams of 4, over the four weeks.

The 6th annual On The Lawn powered by BDO brings four evenings of entertainment, networking, and socializing in the form of a lawn bowling tournament. 20 teams of four will bowl it out each week in one of two brackets, either July 21st and July 28th or August 4th and August 11th; or bowlers can sign up for all 4 weeks! Bowls, music, BBQ, wine, beer, and cocktails are all part of this truly awesome event, taking place at Kelowna’s downtown lakeside sun-drenched Bowling Club.

Since its first year On the Lawn has raised over $100,000 for Elevation Outdoors, and the underprivileged youth of the Okanagan. The proceeds from this year’s Event will assist Elevation Outdoors in providing over 85 full scholarships to deserving participants.

Mike Greer, Executive Director of Elevation Outdoors stated, ”We cannot wait to see everyone back On the Lawn again this summer. We have missed getting together and having a great time all for a great cause, and this year’s event is lining up to be the best one yet. The money raised helps us provide access to mentorship and recreation programs at no cost to so many deserving youth in our community that may otherwise never have a chance to gain the valuable life experiences our programs provide”

Team registration goes on sale April 21st at 9am and with the Event selling out in the past years within a day or two now is the time to get your teams ready! To register visit: (trellis.org/on-the-lawn-2022)

Wear your whites and take the green!

About On The Lawn

Designed for young professionals in Kelowna, On The Lawn brings four evenings of entertainment, networking and socializing with 20 teams of four bowling it out each week. On The Lawn powered by BDO provides bowls, music, BBQ, wine, beer, and cocktails, all at Kelowna’s downtown, lakeside, sun-drenched Bowling Club. All proceeds go to our chosen charity, Elevation Outdoors.

About BDO

BDO is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our team delivers a comprehensive range of assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services, complemented by a deep industry knowledge gained from nearly 100 years working within local communities. As part of the international BDO network, we’re able to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs.

BDO is an international network of public accounting, tax, and advisory firms that performs professional services under the name of BDO. With over 73,000 people working out of more than 1,500 offices in over 160 countries, the network generates worldwide revenue of $10.3 billion.

Landmark 6
1631 Dickson Avenue, Suite 400
Kelowna, BC V1Y 0B5
Tel: 250 763 6700
Fax: 250 763 4457

About Elevation Outdoors

Elevation Outdoors was founded in 2007 by Tori Hanson and a small group of dedicated individuals who recognized a need in our community. From our first ever Learn to Shred program with 6 participants, our focus has always been on breaking down barriers and helping young people find a passion to help them lead a healthy, happier life. Since then, we have expanded our program offerings to include snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and sailing.

All of our programs have full scholarship seats available for any eligible youth or families to ensure all young people have an opportunity to develop a healthy passion. Starting in 2019, we have expanded who can access our programs so that families that do not meet our eligibility criteria can now pay for a seat in our programs as we believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to find a passion and learn from our amazing mentor team.

Elevation Outdoors provides all the required equipment for its different programs so all participants need to do is show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new. Transportation from a common meeting point is also included in our programs to ensure that each youth has an opportunity to participate. Each program is facilitated with the help of our team of volunteer mentors who are there to share their passion for the activity, and to build a positive relationship with the participants. We strive to keep ratios in our programs at 3:1 or lower so that our volunteer mentors and participants are able to have quality conversations and build a relationship while in our programs.

Since our first program in 2008, we have been able to help hundreds of young people find a new passion and develop more healthy lifestyles while learning skills that will stay with them for life.

For PR and Sponsorship Inquiries:

Corrine Wilson
[email protected]
250-870-9094 ext 4

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

Stability- As helpful for a charity as it is for our participants

Stability

For everyone this means something different. For some it is all they want in life, for others it is something to avoid as they seek out new adventures around every corner. When you are snowboarding you want to be strong and stable on your board to manage the terrain as it comes, while on a mountain bike rolling over uneven terrain you are constantly moving and adjusting to the changes under your bike and remaining stable in one position would present some real challenges to staying on your bike.  As with anything in life there are pros and cons.

As a charity stability is something we seek.  From our volunteers we want them to commit to showing up each week so they can build strong relationships with our participants as mentors and positive role models.  From our participants we love seeing them show up each week as that steady attendance is what allows them to build on the knowledge from the week before and see progression in their ability.

One of the most important areas for any charity to have stability is within our funding. Not knowing how programs will be funded, or rent will get paid, can lead to poor decision making where decisions are based on the right now rather than based on what is best for the long term interests of the organization and our clients.

Here at Elevation Outdoors we have been incredibly lucky to have amazing community partners that have supported our organization for many years.  Partners like the United Way of British Columbia and Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program are amazing examples, and it is through the support of organizations like this that we have been able to increase our impact in the community.

If we rewind time back to 2016, we were an organization with 1 part time staff member and only offering 4 programs to the community.  Fast forward to 2021 and we are now able to support 1 full time and 2 part time year round staff with a team growing to 12 over the summer months when we are running a variety of programs.  We are now offering 6 different CORE programs, summer camps, mountain bike clinics and lessons, running a bike rental operation with our partner agency CRIS,  as well as working collaboratively with our local school district to help provide programming opportunities to some of their students to help re-engage with school in a different way.

Community groups like the Ogopogo Rotary Club , or the Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan have been another large part of our success and growth.  The members of the Ogopogo club, and several other Rotary Clubs in our community, have supported us not just financially, but also with time as volunteers helping at events, driving our bus to support our programs, or providing opportunities to our participants to learn about themselves in programs like Adventures in Tourism.

As we head into another year here at Elevation Outdoors we continue along our journey to find increased stability.  We have big dreams, but know we can only achieve them by moving one step at a time to ensure we build a strong foundation that can support us as we move towards our vision of what we can do, and the impact we can have in our community.  While we have seen amazing success over the past 5 years, none if that is possible without the countless number of individuals an organizations that have supported our work and our mission to break down the barriers that many in our community face to finding a passion for the outdoors.

If you , or you business, would like to join us on our journey and help provide that much needed stability that is needed to chase dreams please reach out to our team and we will be happy to discuss how you can get involved and help us take the next step on our journey.  If you prefer to remain anonymous you can always make a donation and know that we your support helps create memories and experiences that would otherwise not be possible for many young people in our community.

 

 

Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

The Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt is back!

The Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt presented by Urban Elegance Homes returns for its second year.

The Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt presented by Urban Elegance Homes, and hosted by Elevation Outdoors and the BC Wine, Cider and Spirits Festival is a day long event to support some of the many businesses impacted by Covid-19 while raising funds for Elevation Outdoors and the Rotary Club of Kelowna Morningside.

The Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt impacts the community in a number of positive ways. With the way the event is set up, the impact is quickly felt beyond the positive impact on Elevation Outdoors.

With 30% of all the money raised being invested back into our local community through the purchase of gift cards to locally owned and operated businesses (which are then used as prizing for the event) there is a direct benefit to those businesses. In 2020, this event raised a total of $12,993.00, $3900.00 of which was used to purchase gift cards.

The more money that is raised, the more support our local business and the charities receive; and the more prizes there are for participants to find!

Additionally, part of the proceeds from the event also support the Rotary Club of Kelowna – Morningside (a $2000.00 donation in 2020) and the work they do in the community.

“With the negative impacts of Covid-19 still being felt all across our community we are so excited to bring back an event that not only raises funds for Elevation Outdoors, but also gives back to our community” – said Katherine Bramall Founder and General Manager of the BC Wine, Cider & Spirits Festival.

On Saturday August 14th all players will receive an email with the first round of clues at 11:00 a.m. to help you locate the downtown Kelowna area prize locations. As the day goes by additional clues will be released, making it a bit easier each time to find the remaining prizes.

An addition to the event this year will be hidden tastings offered by members of the BC Wine, Cider & Spirits Festival. Those who are 19+ and can figure out the clues will be rewarded with complimentary samples.

“Not only does this event raise some much-needed funds for Elevation as we navigate the impacts of Covid-19 on our own fundraising, but it provides members of our community with a great way to get outside and have some fun.” Says Mike Greer, Executive Director of Elevation Outdoors. “Last year the feedback from our participants was awesome, and being able to help support the many businesses in our community that struggled over the past 18 months creates a positive impact that is felt far more broadly than by just the participants of our programs.”

Solo adventures can participate for a minimum of a $20, while teams of up to 6 people can partake for only $40.

Tickets are available at https://trellis.org/thegreatkelownascavengerhunt

When registering yourself and/or team you will have the opportunity to suggest which locally owned and operated business you feel could use the event’s financial support in the form of purchased gift cards.

The event is currently looking for additional sponsors and businesses who would like to host a ‘secret scavenger hunt locations”, if you and your team are interested, please reach out to Mike Greer or Katherine Bramall, the Event Organizers for further details on how you can support.

About Elevation Outdoors

Elevation Outdoors was founded in 2007 by Tori Hanson and a small group of dedicated individuals that saw a need in our community.  From our first ever Learn to Shred program with 6 participants our focus has always been on breaking down barriers and helping young people find a passion to help them lead a healthy, happier life.  Since their inception they have expanded our program offerings to include snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and sailing.  All programs have full scholarship seats available for any eligible youth or families to ensure all young people have an opportunity to develop a healthy passion.  Starting in 2019 they have expanded who can access our programs and families that do not meet our eligibility criteria can now pay for a seat in our programs as we believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to find a passion and learn from our amazing mentor team.

Elevation Outdoors provides all the required equipment for the different programs so that all a participant needs to do is show up with a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new. Transportation is also included in their programs from a common meeting point, to ensure that each youth has an opportunity to participate. Each program is facilitated with the help of our team of volunteer mentors who are there to share their passion for the activity and to build a positive relationship with the participants.

Since the first program in 2008 Elevation has been able to help hundreds of young people find a new passion and develop more healthy lifestyles while learning skills that will stay with them for life.

Website  Facebook Instagram

About The BC Wine Cider & Spirits Festival:

The BC Wine Cider & Spirits Festival is bringing BC, multiple large-scale, whole sensory events, and consumer tasting experiences throughout the year. With 100+ members made up of BC Wine, Cider, Spirits & Beer producers each event is made up of a selection of members sampling and promoting their products in support of the BC Hospitality Foundation.

With the changes in event regulations due to Corona-19 the team at the BC Wine, Cider & Spirits Festival have momentarily switched directions focusing on community building events, and new and innovative ways to continue to promote their members and their amazing products.

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About Urban Elegance Homes

Urban Elegance is a locally owned and operated business offering luxury building services in the Okanagan, specializing in renovations, new home builds, and infills. They are committed to working with integrity, care, and passion, ensuring 100% client satisfaction on every project.

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Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News

Elevation receives $10,000 from Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund.

 

As time passes and we get closer to a more “normal” life here in BC some things remain the same.  Since the start of the pandemic the demand for outdoor recreation has been at record levels, with some industries still trying to catch up to the sustained demand – if you have been in a bike shop lately you know.

Here at Elevation Outdoors we have faced unprecedented demand for our programs at a time when we are having to run smaller group sizes as we work to keep our participants, staff and volunteers safe.  With our ability to run fundraising events hindered by the pandemic this poses a real challenge as we work to continue to deliver our programs while adjusting to the altered funding environment.

This Spring the Jumpstart Sport Relief Fund notified us they have selected Elevation Outdoors to receive $10,000 to support our Live to Ride program over the summer and help cover some of our program staff costs over the Fall and Winter months.  We are proud to be one of the nearly 700 organizations across the country that have benefited from the fund helping over 70,000 youth across the country.

With the support we have received it will allow us to continue to deliver our Live to Ride program this summer, which will introduce new riders to the sport of mountain biking while connecting them with our passionate volunteer mentors.  With the program running twice a week for 7 weeks through July and August not only does it get the participants out and active each week, but also helps them develop life skills as we help them draw parallels between life and sport along the way.

Additionally the support we have received will allow us to retain our dedicated program staff to support our Fall and Winter programs.  As we increase our programming to include additional activities, deliver longer programs like our Leaders in Action program, and have to balance the ever changing rules and guidelines to keep our participants safe, having dedicated staff allows us to ensure our quality of program remains at a high standard.

According to the Ipsos, Jumpstart State of Sport Study 74% of kids are feeling lonely and isolated.  We believe that sport and outdoor recreation has the power to change that and help keep our youth engaged, healthy, and feeling connected to their community and are thankful that organizations like Canadian Tire and the Jumpstart Foundation share this belief and can support us and many other organizations across the country build sport back as we recover from the many impacts of Covid-19.

Mountain Bikers on Knox Mountain
A highlight from our 2020 Live to Ride program
Posted by Elevation Outdoors Elevation News