Submitted photo

By Liam Verster

Stand Up For charity paddle

Paddleboarders to cross Kalamalka Lake for a good cause

Jul 14, 2025 | 1:18 PM

A group of paddleboarders will travel along the length of Kalamalka Lake to raise money for charity.

The eighth annual Stand Up For Charity paddle will see the participants traverse the 18 kilometre lake for Foundry North Okanagan.

Foundry is the youth services hub being constructed and operated by the Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon).

“Each day, we hear from young people in our community who feel anxious, isolated and are unsure where to turn. The pressures they face — social media, financial strain, trauma, substance use, and a fractured health care system — are overwhelming,” Vicki Proulx, director of fund development at CMHA Vernon, said.

“With 70 per cent of mental health issues beginning before age 18, many youth suffer silently, too afraid to ask for help or lost in a system they can’t navigate. We want to ensure they can access the services they need.”

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Foundry offers supports and services for people aged 12 to 24 and their families. This includes empowering young people to manage mental health challenges, building connections with peers and professionals, assisting with job placement, and connecting people with medical care.

“We’re thrilled to support Foundry North Okanagan this year,” Kristin Holomis, co-organizer of the Stand Up For fundraiser.

“This is exactly the kind of place we need to help our youth thrive. It’s very exciting to be able to help support this incredible milestone in working towards building a stronger and healthier community.”

Stand Up For has raised a combined $185,000 over the previous seven years in support of the Okanagan Rail Trail Initiative, KidSport Okanagan, the People Place, Archway Society, Starfish Pack, North Okanagan Family and Youth Support Services, and the Sunflower Centre.

“As a mother of two teens, I can personally attest to the struggles and pressures that today’s youth face. Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin to get help,” Linsey Johannson, the other co-organizer of the fundraiser, said.

“The Foundry will provide an invaluable all-encompassing hub accessible to all youth and will have a positive impact on the whole community.”

People can support the Stand Up For event by donating here.