Visit any McDonald’s Restaurant in Kelowna from now until Oct. 4 for the chance to “lend a hand” to children, youth and families in the Okanagan.

Customers will be able to purchase a paper handprint for a $2 donation to support the programs and services offered by the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs in their community.

“The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs have been providing children, youth and families in the Okanagan with a good place to be since 1959,” said Craig Monley, the CEO of the organization.

“What started out as a single club in a re-modeled pool hall on Lawrence Ave. has grown into 30 clubs and service locations from Osoyoos to Armstrong that serve over 1,000 young people and their family’s everyday.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, with the theme of “Hands Across the Valley” to represent their service to communities throughout the Okanagan.

“We wanted to kick-off our anniversary with a significant event to both celebrate this milestone and let people know that we are here in their community and continue to meet the needs of youth and families throughout the Okanagan,” said Monley.

“We are very excited to partner with McDonald’s in this campaign and we hope to see it continue each year.”

Rena Krell, the community relations representative for McDonald’s Kelowna, is happy to be involved with The “Hands Across the Valley” fundraiser, both from a corporate standpoint and as a parent who has children at the Westside Boys and Girls Club.

“This is a great fit for McDonald’s who make a commitment to support children and families in the communities we are in.

“And as a parent of children who have benefited from the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, I’m proud to be able to support them in any way I can.”

“The clubs change people’s lives everyday,” said Andrea Biggs, 19 years-old and past member of the Rutland Boys and Girls Clubs.

“The Boys and Girls Clubs made me the person I am today. It’s not just a good place to be, it’s the besty place to be.”

To kick off the fundraising campaign on Monday, Sept. 21, boys and girls clubs across the valley will be “lending a hand” in their community, from cleaning up local waterways to bringing cookies and thank-you cards to emergency services personnel.

Some clubs will also be visiting their local McDonald’s to play games and provide face painting for lucky customers.

“Our clubs are known for never turning anyone away,” said Monley. 

“Money raised through this campaign will allow us to continue providing financial assistance to over half our members to ensure that our services are available to those who need us most.”

Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs offer after-school programs in physical recreation, technology, the arts, personal growth and more.

To learn more, visit www.boysandgirlsclubs.ca.