Photo of the Stand Up For paddleboarders in their trip in support of Foundry North Okanagan courtesy of CMHA Vernon / Facebook

By Liam Verster

8th Annual Stand Up For Fundraiser

Over $36K raised for youth mental health in annual paddleboard fundraiser

Aug 1, 2025 | 6:00 AM

The Stand Up For initiative had another successful year.

The eighth edition of the fundraiser that sees paddleboarders travel the 18 kilometre length of Kalamalka Lake raised $36,431 dollars for the new Foundry North Okanagan facility and the youth mental health services it will offer.

“We are just thrilled with the community response this year,” Kristin Holomis, co-organizer of Stand Up For, said.

“Foundry North Okanagan will be invaluable to our community giving youth a place where they can be supported to work through any challenges they have. We couldn’t be more honoured to raise this money for such a great cause and resource for the North Okanagan

Foundry is a youth mental health hub that is planned on being established in Vernon by 2027. Once completed it will be overseen by the Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association and offer a range of resources for youths including peer supports, counselling, and job placement opportunities.

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“CMHA Vernon & District is extremely grateful for the leadership provided by [co-organizers Kristin Holomis and Linsey Johannson], and the support from the community during the Stand Up For Foundry North Okanagan,” Vicki Proulx, CMHA Vernon’s director of fund development and communications, said.

“Residents have made it clear that our youth matter and that they need access to services that will allow them to thrive. Thank you to everyone involved in Stand Up For.”

Stand Up For has raised more than $222,000 over the past eight editions of the fundraiser. Past recipients of the funds include the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative, KidSport Okanagan, the People Place, Archway Society, Starfish Pack, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society, and the Sunflower Centre.