The father of a young Kelowna woman, who died tragically almost three-and-a-half years ago, is challenging the community to honour her memory and support women and children in need this holiday season by donating to Kelowna Women’s Shelter.
Barry Porrelli launched a legacy fundraising project this week in memory of his daughter Kristen, who died in July 2014 at the age of 22. Porrelli kicked off the fundraiser by donating $5,000 from his firm, Porrelli Law, and hopes others will follow suit by donating before the end of the year.
When Kristen passed away, Barry and his wife Laurie asked mourners to contribute to the Shelter in their daughter’s name rather than sending flowers. That sparked an outpouring of donations to support the work the Shelter does.
“With the creation of the new Kristen Porrelli Shelter Legacy Fund, the family hopes to raise at least $25,000 by December 31,” says the Shelter’s executive director Karen Mason. “It really is humbling and inspiring that something so beautiful, which will change lives, can come out of something so tragic.”
To learn more and make a donation, visit https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kelowna-womens-shelter/campaign/kristen-porrelli-shelter-legacy-fund/.