Incorporating sustainable choices into event planning is more than just a trend—it's a powerful way to align corporate values with meaningful action. By including socially and environmentally conscious initiatives into your agenda, you'll provide your delegates with the opportunity to build a deeper connection with the community you’re meeting in.
From reducing your environmental footprint to engaging in volunteer team building, these practices reflect a commitment to sustainability and inspire your event attendees to become active participants in driving positive change. In this blog post, we’ll highlight three local Kelowna organizations you can support to make your next business event as impactful as it is memorable.
Dress for Success Kelowna
Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that empowers women and non-binary individuals to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools that allow them to thrive in work and life.
The work Dress for Success does aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), particularly Goals 1 and 8, which focus on ending poverty and achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all. The organization knows that when you elevate a woman, transgender, or non-binary individual to achieve financial independence, you elevate the entire community, and everyone benefits.
Credit: United Nations Communications Materials. The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States.
“Groups can support our work by facilitating an online workshop for our clients, donating clothing or hosting a clothing drive, or contributing a one-off or monthly donation,” says Dress for Success Boutique Coordinator, Amanda Simcic.
With 13 Dress for Success affiliates across Canada, your group's contributions can extend beyond your time in Kelowna.
“Reaching out to another Dress for Success in your own community would be welcomed,” adds Amanda. “Or you could become a monthly supporter of our work here in Kelowna. It all makes an incredible difference in our clients’ lives.”
Other organizations Amanda recommends event planners contact for similar group opportunities include KCR Community Resources, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Hope Outreach Okanagan, Project Literacy, and Metro Hub (highlighted further in this post).
Soup Sisters
This non-profit charitable organization is dedicated to providing highly nourishing, quality, well-balanced donations of soup to agencies and shelters Canada-wide, including the Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
Lifelong soup enthusiast and CEO, Sharon Hapton, founded the organization in 2009 as a grassroots movement to support women and children fleeing family violence and youth in crisis. Today, the organization is represented in more than two dozen cities across Canada.
Through its work, Soup Sisters supports UN SDG 2, which seeks in part to end hunger and achieve food security and improved nutrition.
“We offer hands-on soup-making events in Kelowna through our certified culinary partner at Lakehouse Kitchens,” says Sharon. “Your group can create nourishing and nurturing Hugs in a Bowl that will support those in need.”
With Lakehouse Kitchens' central location in downtown Kelowna, this group activity can be conveniently added to your itinerary. You can also look into ongoing hands-on team-building events in your own city once you’ve wrapped up your Kelowna event.
Metro Hub
Metro Hub is a unique event space in Kelowna that supports the work done by its sister organization, Metro Community, for those experiencing profound poverty, including homelessness. A portion of Metro Hub revenues are dedicated to Metro Community’s work, so choosing this venue as part of your off-site plans automatically supports those most in need in Kelowna.
Through Metro’s Central Café & Courtyard, those in need can access a safe place to connect with others, access light breakfast or lunch, and use washroom facilities. Metro’s hygiene program allows its members to access showers, laundry services, day storage, computers, and more. These supports and services align with several UN SDGs, including Goal 2 to end hunger (they serve more than 125 people daily), Goal 10 to reduce inequalities, and Goal 11 to create sustainable cities and communities.
“There are many ways that groups can get involved with Metro,” notes Manager, Penny Paske. “We have volunteer opportunities at the hygiene centre and the café/courtyard, and always accept donations of food, clothing and blankets, tents, and hygiene products. Monetary donations are also welcomed.”
Penny adds that Metro is open to discussions about various projects that organizations meeting in Kelowna might want to get involved in.
Thanks to its unique setup, Metro Hub is featured in Destination Canada’s recently released Sustainability Storybook, highlighting sustainability initiatives available for business events across Canada.
"The sociocultural impact of Metro Hub is profound," notes Tourism Kelowna Business Development Sales Manager, Nicolle Gomez de Sousa. "Providing a space where community members can learn, create, and celebrate together strengthens social bonds and encourages a sense of belonging among diverse groups."
Learn More
To find out more about these organizations and others in and around Kelowna, connect with a member of Tourism Kelowna’s business development team. They can connect you with the perfect organization so your business event can leave a lasting impact within the community.
