A Kamloops man is organizing the second annual Caravan of Care next month to raise money for the United Way.
Nathaniel Martin is hoping to turn “the stigma of Friday the 13 into something positive.”
The goal is to raise money for two United Way programs – ‘United for Ukraine’ to support displaced families coming to B.C. as well as a pilot program called ‘School’s Out’, which is a free to low-cost program aimed to have a place for children 6-12yrs old where life skills and other aids will be given.
Martin says the Schools Out pilot program is set to start in September 2022, and will work to help families in Kamloops that struggle with having to leave children unsupervised while they go to work yet are unable to afford daycare costs let alone find a placement for a child.
“This program will be targeting low income families in Kamloops and its going to run as an after school program from 3-6 p.m. We are just trying to break the stigma and the pressures of these families having to go to work, being single moms, working multiple jobs, and not being able to afford daycare.”
He says the main goal of the annual Caravan for Care is to help support local residents in the community.
“This is a whole push to take people who are vulnerable and give them value so that they feel like they have some self worth again because it matters to them to carry on.”
Last years event, raised roughly $21,000 to help homeless youth and young people aging out of foster care in the city.
Martin tells NL News there’s no particular goal for how much he’s hoping to raise this year, explaining that he will be happy with any amount they can raise.
“I’m trying to put as many positive vibes into it as possible, if you want to come out and you want to be a part of this, absolutely. This isn’t just my event; this is for the city, if you want to improve your city, if you want this to be a part of your city, come on out too.”
He says the Caravan will start at Riverside Park, before it then heads out to Clapperton for a drive-by donation drop off and then, everyone will head out to MacArthur Island for a brief thank-you and group photo to celebrate that kindness matters and people and companies from all walks of life can come together for a common cause.
Anyone wanting to take part in the Caravan can head to Riverside Park on Friday, May 13 at 6:30 pm. Those who are unable to attend the event but want to donate, can do so here.
