We have been fortunate to partner with the Westbank United Church, administering our programs from their facility in West Kelowna. When we agreed to rent our office within their building, we weren’t fully aware of all of the services being delivered from the church. We have truly become humbled by all of work they do and assistance they offer to community members of West Kelowna.
A sampling of some of their services:
- The Community Lunch Program, serving lunches to ALL individuals who walk through the door, seven days per week. This program literally feeds hundreds of individuals each and every week and is open to all community members. It is staffed by volunteers from all over our community – come and join them for lunch to see first-hand this dynamic initiative.
- Free haircuts for those in need are offered through the church.
- The church operates a Thrift Store, manned by amazing volunteers who process tons of donated items daily. They are open five days per week and offer a $10.00 per month voucher for Thrift Store goods to those in need.
- Activities such as Tai Chi, Weight Watchers, 12 Step Program, etc., are delivered from the church.
- Of course, church services are offered every Sunday at 10:00 am, with coffee hour afterwards.
Most of all though, it has been heart-warming to observe the staff and volunteers of this organization providing caring, non-judgmental, and critical services to our community. Many benefit by this organization’s existence, be they seniors in need of assistance, families seeking help, or our community’s most vulnerable individuals – no one is turned away. They certainly live up to their mission statement, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”
If you, or anyone you know is interested in this type of connection come for a visit. Everyone is welcome to the daily lunches, or just pop by for a visit to see first-hand the great work being offered from this facility. Volunteers in many capacities are always welcome! The church is located at 3672 Brown Road, just off of Main Street in West Kelowna. Hours of operation are Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 3:00 pm, with worship services at 10:00 am on Sundays. Please visit their website, at https://westbankunitedchurch.ca/ for a full description of church activities.