Parade with a Purpose has partnered with the Âé¶čAV 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 Pamâs son and Shadiaâs husband and brother to mental illness and addiction.
âWeâre incredibly excited to partner with the KGH Foundation,â Doty said in a statement. âTogether, we have the opportunity to further our impact on acute and community-based mental healthcare, and create lasting, positive change.â
The parade began with just three floats in Kettle Valley and has grown into a yearly holiday event in downtown Âé¶čAV.
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 12â18 facing serious substance use and mental health challenges.
âWorking with The Bridge was truly transformative,â Turgeon said. âNow, with that goal realized, weâre energized to channel that momentum into our next chapter in supporting mental health.â
This yearâs Parade with a Purpose marks a new partnership with the KGH Foundation,
âPam and Shadiaâs courage, passion, and relentless dedication are nothing short of inspiring,â said Allison Young, Foundation CEO. âWe are deeply grateful and incredibly proud to stand beside them and work together to strengthen and re-imagine mental health care in our community.â
The KGH Foundationâs commitment to mental health includes theâWe See Youâ campaign in partnership with CMHA Âé¶čAV, the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, Âé¶čAV Community Resources, and Interior Health.
Another notable achievement is the opening of Foundry Âé¶čAV in 2017, which supports young people experiencing mental health challenges.
Parade With A Purpose returns to downtown Âé¶čAV on December 6. The community is invited to sponsor a float, volunteer, or attend the parade in support.
