CENTRAL OKANAGAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Partners Create Fun and Community for Displaced Families

With dozens of families displaced from wildfire evacuations and many more struggling to find activities in smoky conditions, Central Okanagan Public Schools is grateful to the many organizations in its Early Years Partnership who have helped open schools to provide some welcome respite for families.

"Thanks to the organizations that contribute to our caring communities, we were able to quickly provide space and offer families a small measure of relief during this crisis," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "As we've proven in recent years, schools provide more than education and they are physically at the heart of communities. We are fortunate to have the volunteers and contributors who make these activities possible."

At Chief Tomat Elementary this week, West Kelowna families gathered in the gym for fun activities including the services of Sportball Kelowna, organized by Childhood Connections. Counselling services were also provided by the Foundry Kelowna in classrooms. In Kelowna, Pearson Road Elementary provided indoor activities thanks to Kelowna Community Resources and the Family Hub, which is based at Pearson Road and connects families to services year- round.

Snacks and activities were provided at both locations thanks to funding from the Interior Savings Wildfire Relief Fund, Kelowna United Way, and the Central Okanagan Foundation.