Giving Back

The Wilden Legacy Fund

Investing in the Next Generation

The Wilden Legacy Fund integrates our family and team’s philanthropic efforts with Wilden’s intention to build strong, resilient communities and invest in future generations. Together with the KGH Foundation as well as incredible community partners, we work to strengthen the network of mental health support and services available to young people and their families.

Building Strong Communities

We believe strong communities are built on shared values and common goals, and we all play a role in co-creating them. Young people are the building blocks of our communities. We want to ensure they feel supported and valued accordingly. From shortening waitlists for free mental health counselling and reducing barriers for outdoor adventure to creating a sense of belonging through organized activities, the Wilden Legacy Fund makes a difference in the lives of our youth.

As part of this joint effort, we proudly support a variety of local non-profit organizations and projects:

Elevation Outdoors

Elevation Outdoors believes that no young person should be denied the potential to discover an outdoor sport or pursuit that can help keep them motivated, healthy, and happy in life.

Through specially designed outdoor sports programs, personal mentorship and life skills coaching all offered free of charge to participants, the staff and volunteers at Elevation Outdoors work to break down barriers and enhance the lives of vulnerable youth.

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Foundry

Foundry Kelowna provides free health and wellness services for young people ages 12–24, including mental health, substance use, primary care, and social supports – all in one place.

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This Space

This Space offers mental health support to 2SLGBTQIA+ and/or IBPOC youth aged 12-24. Recognizing the importance of intentionally designed safe spaces by and for these communities, This Space provides drop-in individual counselling, group programming, gender affirming wear as well as workshops and training.

Led by founder and executive director Meaghan Duckett, the team and board at This Space operate on a “for community, by community” model, filling a gap to build more inclusive mental health systems where all youth can feel supported and empowered.

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Spark

Spark Kelowna offers horse assisted therapy, also referred to as equine assisted therapy, an approach based on experiential learning with the potential for reaching people of all ages in a way that is inherently different from a traditional therapy office set up.

Most often used in group settings, a set of goals are integrated into exercises with horses who provide immediate and honest feedback. When facilitated by an educational professional, participants come away with insights into both themselves and group dynamics.

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Gateway to Trades | Okanagan College Foundation

The Gateway Program is an innovative partnership between Okanagan College and Central Program & Services that is transforming the lives of at-risk high school students and their families. Many youth face significant barriers on their journey to graduation and post-secondary education, some face poverty, mental health challenges, and unstable home environments. Gateway provides these students with the hands-on training, mentorship, and wraparound support they need to not only graduate, but to build meaningful careers in the trades.

Through Gateway, students gain exposure to a wide range of trades and safety training, while also developing essential life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Beyond the classroom, the program fosters confidence and personal growth through activities such as yoga, cycling and outdoor trips. Students also work together in community projects that build purpose and pride. Gateway is offering students a chance to realize their full potential and thrive.

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Further Community Partners

CLARITY Project/ROYC
Connect Counselling
Canadian Mental Health Association (Discovery College)
UBC Okanagan (Walk-in Wellness Clinic)

With our work we hope to inspire meaningful, long-term improvements and help more and more young people navigate through troubling times.

The Wild One Run

Running Since 2018

The Wild One Run is an annual trail run hosted in Wilden’s beautiful backcountry with participants from all across the region and beyond.

This event came to life to raise more awareness and funds for youth mental health through the Wilden Legacy Fund (formerly the Blenk Family Fund). It also serves as a fun way to promote an active lifestyle and bring people together in nature. Plus, with three distances to choose from and the option to run or walk, there is something for everyone, including your dogs and little ones!

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