Dan O’Brien used to be homeless.
With the help of Kelowna Gospel Mission, he’s been clean and off the streets.
Now, this is his second year volunteering at the mission’s Stride to End Homelessness.
He volunteers at the mission almost every week, he said.
“I came here and the staff saved my life so I keep on coming back,” said O’Brien.
He volunteers at the event to meet new people and bring awareness to the community, he said.
“If you show that you’re really working towards yourself, they’ll do anything. I can’t give enough back for what they’ve done for me.”
More than 20 teams participated in the sixth annual event to bring awareness to homelessness.
Rhonda Fenrick, a resident of Kelowna, said it was her fourth time walking in the event that was held today.
“It’s a cause I believe in,” she said.
Fenrick also volunteers at the Gospel Mission once a week.
Executive director of the mission Randy Benson said the point of the walk is to fundraise for the mission’s programs.
More than 20 teams participated in the walk.
People in the community can feel like not only they are contributing, they get an opportunity to mingle with guests,” said Benson.
Participants could walk or run the route downtown, starting and ending at the mission.
Homelessness is an ongoing issue in Kelowna, he said.
To find out more about the mission visit their website.