Wilden Named Corporate Community of the Year at the 51st Kelowna Civic & Community Awards

On Monday, May 4th, 2026, three members of our team — Karin Eger-Blenk, Cameron Dodd, and Vincent Eger — had the privilege of attending the 51st annual Kelowna Civic & Community Awards ceremony. They came home with some wonderful news: Wilden was named Corporate Community of the Year.

We’re still letting that sink in.

A Room Full of People Who Care

One thing that really stood out to our team was how many young people were being recognized at the ceremony. Seeing the next generation already stepping up, already making a difference in their community, was genuinely moving. It’s a reminder that Kelowna is in good hands.

The Wild One Run and the Wilden Legacy Fund

If you know Wilden, you probably know the Wild One Run. It’s our annual trail run fundraiser for youth mental health and wellbeing, and it’s something our whole team pours their hearts into.

The story starts in 2017, when we founded the Wilden Legacy Fund in partnership with the KGH Foundation. We wanted a meaningful, lasting way to give back to the community we call home, with a focus on supporting the wellbeing of young people in our region.

The first Wild One Run followed in 2018. What began as a small community trail run has grown into an event with over 250 registrants, featuring a kids’ fun run, a dog-friendly 5km trail run and walk, and a 10km trail run through the beautiful Wilden trails.

Here’s what the Wild One Run has raised over the years:

• 2018: $3,996.55
• 2019: $3,500
• 2020: $8,200 (virtual)
• 2021: $11,912.14 (virtual)
• 2022: $11,300
• 2024: $12,000
• 2025: $18,500

That’s nearly $69,500 raised through the run alone. And because Wilden matches every dollar, the Wild One Run has contributed close to $139,000 to the Legacy Fund. In total, the Wilden Legacy Fund has directed over $350,000 toward youth wellbeing in our community, with the Wild One Run being one of the key ways we raise funds and bring people together around this cause.

More Than a Run

The Wild One Run is the most visible part of what we do, but it’s not the whole picture. Behind the scenes, we’re proud to support local organizations doing valuable work for the wellbeing of our next generation. It’s quieter work, and it doesn’t always make the highlight reel, but it matters deeply to us.

To be recognized for all of it — the run, the fund, the everyday efforts — that means the world.

Thank You, Kelowna

This award belongs to everyone who has ever laced up for the Wild One Run, donated, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, or simply believed that young people in our community deserve every bit of support we can give them.

Thank you, Kelowna. We don’t take this for granted.