On October 25th, Trellis is kicking off OKGNtech for Good, a campaign challenging the OKGNtech community to raise $1 million dollars. They’ve chosen Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) of Kelowna as the suggested organization to donate to. The CAC, slated to open in early 2020, is an innovative and collaborative solution designed to support vulnerable children in a meaningful and productive way. Put simply, a local Child Advocacy Centre actually helps to clear the path for a child victim to leave victimization behind and have the hope to start again. Sadly, this is a need in our community.

“Child abuse and neglect are at the root of a lot of social issues negatively impacting our community,” says Justin Goodhew, CEO of Trellis. “If we can support the Child Advocacy Centre in changing the landscape of treatment, I believe this will translate to a healthier and more vibrant community”.  

If we can support the Child Advocacy Centre in changing the landscape of treatment, I believe this will translate to a healthier and more vibrant community  

The Child Advocacy Centre is a shining example of our regions ability to innovate and collaborate and isn’t that what OKGNtech is all about?! Accelerate Okanagan jumped at the chance to get involved with this challenge and has committed to supporting OKGNtech for Good.

“The OKGNtech community is the fastest growing tech region in the country. We are not only home to a lively startup ecosystem but a healthy group of established companies who want to give back,” says Brea Lake, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan. “OKGNtech for Good is a chance for us to thank the entire Okanagan region for supporting us through this growth and an opportunity to give back in a really tangible way.”

OKGNtech for Good is a chance for us to thank the entire Okanagan region for supporting us through this growth and an opportunity to give back in a really tangible way

Want to get involved with OKGNtech for Good? Here’s how it works: 

STEP 1 – Choose.

Choose a cause that aligns with your company! The CAC is our organization of choice but you can invest in any cause that moves you. 

STEP 2 – Create.

Create a fundraising page on trellis.org to raise money. Trellis will track the collective impact so we can celebrate our wins together. 

STEP 3 – Do good. 

Raise money for your chosen cause. Anything goes and any amount helps! Getting started is easy, the hardest part is remembering to hashtag #okgntechforgood.

Get started here >>> https://trellis.org/sprout/

We’ve also put together 5 fundraising ideas to get the brainstorming party started: 

Client Appreciation Event. 

Make your next client appreciation event, an opportunity to give back! Gathering your clients together to show them your new space, to say thanks for the support, or for a holiday party? Why don’t you use it as an opportunity to also raise money for OKGNtech for Good. Not only does it give them an opportunity to join the excitement, but it’ll also remind them why they love your company so much! 

Lip sync battle anyone? 

Sometimes after a busy work week you just need to let loose. What about a lip sync battle with your colleagues, or invite some of your favourite OKGNtech companies to join the fun! Charge an admission fee, or raise the stakes for the losing team! 

Concert

A private concert with an OKGN band. Okay, so maybe you don’t want to get on stage and sing, but why not call on a local OKGN band to entertain your guests at a private concert for your cause! 

Workshop

A workshop with potential clients. Don’t you love learning that the companies you support give back to their community? What about when its a company you are just considering signing on with? For your next business development workshop, charge admission by donation, and give your potential clients another reason to choose you over the competition. 

Revenue Campaign

Donate a portion of your revenue for the month. Maybe an event isn’t quite up your alley, well what about a fundraising campaign instead? Donate a portion of your commissions, or revenue for the month or quarter to a cause you care about, and trust us, you’ll feel really good about it. 

Don’t let our list stop you! Have some other ideas for how you can raise money? Join our OKGNtech for Good challenge and let’s raise $1 million dollars for our community!

“The OKGNtech industry has got a lot of support from the Okanagan,” says Goodhew. “OKGNtech for Good is our chance to show that we have matured as a local industry and that we have the capacity to give back. I love  seeing our community support socially driven causes, and giving back in a new way.” 

Curious who has already started their fundraisers? Check that out here! https://trellis.org/okgntechfor-good

Let’s show Canada what the OKGNtech community is all about.