https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/322004/Monies-raised-through-the-Tree-of-Hope-far-exceeded-expectations

Kelowna's Child Advocacy Centre will receive a big leg up thanks to donations raised through the annual Tree of Hope.

The Tree of Hope Celebration of Giving raised more than $210,000 over the holiday season.

The Tree of Hope's Stober Foundation is matching the donations in their entirety, meaning over $420,000 for the work being done by the CAC.

The Stober Foundation initially pledged to match $100,000 of the funds raised, but foundation president Ken Stober says they decided to extend the pledge after the initial commitment was surpassed.

“We wanted the Tree to be a beacon that everyone could rally around and help raise hope for the most vulnerable children in our community”, said Stober.

CAC executive director Ginny Becker said the donation provides an amazing opportunity for the organization.

“We know how important our work is for the one-in-three children in our community who are impacted by abuse and neglect," said Becker.

"The Tree of Hope provided us with a platform to not only raise critical funds, but to build awareness throughout the Okanagan. The response we received was truly overwhelming”.

This was the 23rd year for the Tree of Hope.

"The Stober Foundation, along with the Tree of Hope organizers, motivated by the uniquely difficult year 2020 was, had a new vision for this year’s donation," the foundation said in a news release.

"For the first time, the community was invited to donate to the Child Advocacy Centre in a Celebration of Giving with the pledge to match funds raised and be part of a collective impact story. This idea proved to be a success and maybe exactly what the community needed."