Societies & Foundations

As a donor-funded organization, we raise more than $5 million annually to support arthritis-related research, programs and services for over 600,000 people in British Columbia and the Yukon who live with arthritis.
The Arthritis Society is the only not-for-profit organization in Canada uniquely devoted to promoting and funding arthritis research based solutions, education, as well as community support for Canadians living with arthritis. Founded in 1948, with thousands of volunteers over the years, The Arthritis Society continues to have an outstanding reputation in the community and a successful track record of results.
Amidst our world of information overload, The Arthritis Society remains the most valued and trusted resource on arthritis for patients, their families and health professionals.

Our basic philosophical underpinnings are rooted in the idea of maximum independence with minimum professional supports.
Our experience has taught us that most people want to continue to be part of their community following brain injury.
Our philosophy supports using existing services where appropriate, and using “natural” supports such as friends, family and peers wherever possible. However, brain injury is a highly specific treatment area. Most generic service providers and peer or family supports require professional guidance and training to provide effective and meaningful support.
We believe every individual is due respectful support that begins with the recognition that individuals with disabilities are not abnormal or deficient but, instead, reflect the normal diversity of the human community.
We believe in providing opportunities for people to experience life in a typical way, with emphasis on the individual’s abilities and ensuring that a supportive atmosphere exists with appropriate supports to facilitate freedom of choice in the least restrictive way possible.
Most importantly, we believe that the majority of brain injuries are preventable and the most cost effective approach to the problem is the development of effective prevention strategies.

CAEFS is an association of self-governing, community-based Elizabeth Fry Societies that work with and for women and girls in the justice system, particularly those who are, or may be, criminalized. Together, Elizabeth Fry Societies develop and advocate the beliefs, principles and positions that guide CAEFS. The association exists to ensure substantive equality in the delivery and development of services and programs through public education, research, legislative and administrative reform, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The Canadian Cancer Society was founded in 1938. We are a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life for people living with cancer. We provide leading financial support for cancer research and deliver community-based support programs and prevention information for all types of cancer.

The BC and Yukon Division is one of ten divisions across Canada:
There are six regions within the BC and Yukon Division
More than 20,000 volunteers are dedicated to our mission

We achieve our mission through research, education, patient services and advocacy for proactive public health policy. Our volunteers and staff support these efforts with funds raised in communities across the country.

The Central Okanagan Foundation provides ongoing support to the charitable sector. We provide funding for charitable projects that benefit our community. We can only accomplish this with the financial support of our donors. Only you can help us make a difference.
Our mission is to provide an ongoing contribution to the quality of life in our community through the stewardship of entrusted funds, grant making and community leadership.

The Central Okanagan Heritage Society is a non-profit Society and a registered charity. The Society has been in operation since 1982 and operates with a volunteer Board of Directors, and several part-time and seasonal staff. The Society operates within the geographic boundaries of the Central Okanagan Regional District.
The Central Okanagan Heritage Society Mission statement reads;
"The mission of the Society is to promote and participate in the preservation and restoration of structural, natural, cultural and horticultural heritage within the Central Okanagan region."

The CMSS provides a unique, affordable, professional mentoring service, designed to empower and enhance good business practices for the Voluntary Sector within the Central Okanagan.

The mission of The Good Samaritan Society is to extend Christian Hospitality through
a continuum of care to those in need or at risk, regardless of race or religious belief.

Our mandate is to ensure access to language training, settlement and any other training or services to assist immigrants to participate fully in Canadian society, and:

* Support ethnic groups
* Organize cultural programs and events
* Promote tolerance of other cultures and ethnic groups by all
* Help newcomers to Canada embrace Canadian values
* Oppose racism

We invite like-minded people to join our membership, ensuring the success of our objective to strengthen and maintain the spirit of friendship and tolerance now existing in our community.

Today, the John Howard Society of Canada is a federation of provincial and local societies comprised of people whose mission is “safe, effective and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.” Our goal is to understand and respond to problems of crime; to work with people who have come into conflict with the law; to review, evaluate and advocate for changes in the criminal justice process; and to engage in public education on matters involving prison conditions, criminal law and its application.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of Type 1 diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. JDRF has brought the long struggle against diabetes and its complications to a turning point. Now people suffering from diabetes are beginning to see their hopes for a cure grow close to reality. More than 30 years of funding and research worldwide have culminated in a program to develop multiple therapies, each with the potential to become a cure. But before scientists can step forward to complete this life-saving work, we must first close the critical gaps in research funding that would otherwise slow the pace of progress.

The Kelowna & District Genealogical Society is a registered charity under The Income Tax Act (Canada), Business Number 88092 1614 RR0001. Donations can be made In Memory of an individual or as a gift on Behalf of, or In Honour of an individual. Donations gratefully acknowledged with a tax receipt.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities so that they will:
* be accepted and valued citizens
* accomplish personal goals
* benefit from active involvement of family and friends
We seek to involve, assist and inform family and friends so they can be:
* knowledgeable about the circumstances and choices available to the person
* consulted with regard to these circumstances and choices
* active in the life of the person
* supported in their care of the person
Kelowna Community Development Society is commited to listening and learning what is important to the individual from their own perspective. We also assist family and friends in identifying what is important for the individual. What emerges from this person-centered process is a service delivery plan used to assist the individual to meet their personal goals.

The Kelowna Professional Fire Fighters Association is the union which represents 98 professional firefighters. We are proud members of the International Association of Fire Fighters.Our executive officers are responsible for negotiating wages, benefits and all other conditions pertaining to the collective agreement between the Union and the City, as well as ensuring a safe workplace and safe working conditions for the membership. The executive have dominion over all grievances relating to the collective agreement, and represent all members of the union in their dealings with the employer.

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is a non-profit society which provides services to Kelowna and the surrounding area. We are open to the public regardless of their race, religion, age, sex or marital status.
Our organization was founded in May, 1973 and incorporated under the "Societies Act" on January 9, 1974. The core staff is funded by "Canadian Heritage".
The primary goal of the society is to promote total well-being for aboriginal people in all human dimensions: Physical, Spiritual, Mental and Emotional. To achieve this goal, our organization provides many services and programs.
The early years brought several changes in location for the Society. In 1981, the Society purchased the property and building on Leon Avenue and the organization continues to operate from this location today.
In August of 1996, the Society officially changed its name from "Central Okanagan Indian Friendship Society" to "Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society".

The mission of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is: To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.
Our two major programs provide hope for the future through the support of MS research into the cause, treatment and cure of the disease and hope for today through our many services that assist people with MS and their families.
Since our founding in 1948, the core support of the MS Society has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The Society receives almost no funding from government.
The MS Society of Canada has a membership of 28,000. It is the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for people with MS and their families. The MS Society is governed by a National Board of Directors comprised of 27 volunteer members who are elected annually. The seven regional divisions and nearly 120 chapters are also governed by elected volunteer boards of directors.

Welcome to the Website of the Okanagan Historical Society , one of the oldest societies in British Columbia dedicated to the preservation of local history.

The Okanagan Military Museum is located in the Memorial Arena building in Kelowna at 1424 Ellis Street. The Okanagan Military Museum Society which oversees the museum is dedicated to the preservation of our military and naval history, within a local context, as a valuable contribution to our community. Thousands of Okanagan Valley residents have served in our country's armed services and hundreds continue to serve in our Regular or Reserve forces or have relatives in these categories. In addition, our youth continue to have a connection to our military history either actively through participation in Cadets, during Remembrance Day activities or as part of their educational development as well informed future citizens.

The Okanagan Symphony is the third largest professional Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia, and has entertained residents of the Okanagan Valley and visitors from around the globe with symphonic music since 1960. The OSO is dedicated to bringing the passion of symphonic music to life throughout the Okanagan, while educating, entertaining, and reaching out to all generations.

The Society’s mission is to create an atmosphere for innovation & creativity through striving to establish an organization of entrepreneurial leaders and to enhance the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in the Okanagan region of British Columbia through guidance, coaching & mentoring, resources & education.

Project Literacy Kelowna Society, founded in 1986, was the first independent community-based literacy organization to be chartered in British Columbia. Project Literacy is a non-profit organization offering one-to-one tutoring to adults who face literacy challenges.
A board of directors consisting of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and eight other board members currently governs the organization.

Reach Out Youth Counselling and Family Services, a registered non-profit society, has been providing counselling and support for youth and families in Kelowna and area for over fifteen years.
Youth and young adults, ranging in ages 13 to 25 years, and their parents come to Reach Out for help in coping with their personal problems. Common areas of concern for our clients include self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress, addictions, anger, conflict within the family, grief, relationships and more.
Clients are referred to Reach Out by a number of sources, including Central Intake of Kelowna General Hospital, family doctors, friends, peers and family members. We offer individual on-site counselling, mobile counselling, group and workshop sessions, parent and family support programs and special events to meet the concerns of youth and their families.
We are committed to meeting the needs of all those who come to Reach Out. Explore our website to find out how we can help you.

The Okanagan Centre of the R.A.S.C. was formerly known as the Okanagan Astronomical Society (Kelowna and Vernon chapters), with members deciding to join with the R.A.S.C. in 1995.
Members meet in Kelowna at the Okanagan College Campus and in Vernon at the Okanagan Science Centre.
Centre meetings are monthly, excluding July and August. Members hold scheduled observing sessions on a monthly (or more frequent) basis, weather permitting. There are currently two main observing sites, Emeny Field and Goudie Rd, both of which are off of Hwy 33 east of Kelowna.

The Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education (SAEE) provides non-partisan education research and information to policy-makers, education partners and the public. Our mission is to develop new Canadian knowledge on school improvement and foster the understanding of its use. We support public schools and those who work with them to improve outcomes for all students.

The initial concepts of the Society of Hope began in the late 1980's. A number of Christians in the Central Okanagan saw the growing need to provide practical help and support for single parent families; particularly in the area of providing affordable housing. Since its inception in 1989, the Society has grown to become the largest non-profit housing provider in the Interior of British Columbia.
The Society of Hope has developed numerous long term housing developments. Currently, the Society operates 335 rental homes on ten sites. Hope has projects in Peachland, Westbank, Kelowna and Lake Country. All of these are subsidized units. There are a variety of subsidies designed to keep rents at an affordable rate for qualified tenants.

STEPS Forward Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Society has been supporting students with developmental disabilities at UBC Okanagan since
September 2007 (so they are quite new to this community). Students participate by auditing courses they are interested in and also get involved with campus clubs and events. Part of this inclusive experience is to assist students with finding summer employment.

Since our inception in 1949, our mission has been to entertain, inform and educate by creating opportunities for community participation in enriching theatrical experiences.
TKS shall provide area residents the opportunity to attend and to participate in high quality amateur theatrical presentations. TKS shall provide educational opportunities in the theatre arts to adults and children. In the pursuit of its goals, TKS shall be mindful of the standards of its audiences and shall maintain fiscally sound management. Theatre Kelowna Society endeavours to fulfill its mission by:
* producing a broad range of theatrical presentations of the highest possible quality;
* showcasing local amateur talent;
* encouraging development of area youth in the theatre arts at local schools via workshops and performances;
* fostering and encouraging artistic and practical development of its membership through hand-on learning experiences in all aspects of theatre production and management;
* being a valued 'cultural citizen' and providing a positive impact on the quality of life in our community; and
* stimulating co-operation with other arts based community organizations for mutual assistance and enrichment.

The Westside Health Network Society's purpose is to promote and enhance senior's wellness through information and referral, education and social programs on the Westside and in the Peachland area.
The Network provides a variety of programs and services for community members through the help of trained volunteers. The support from the voluntary sector contributes social, health and economic value to our community. The Westside Health Network has provided assistance to community members for over 10 years and recognizes and supports opportunities that enrich the lives of our community members.
The Network continues to work cooperatively with other agencies to maintain a database of current information. Emphasis is on easy accessibility by the promotion of one information and referral phone number.