Launch Okanagan’s Executive Director, Jennifer Robins was invited back to Money Tips Monday on December 1. In this segment, Jennifer discusses the importance of financial literacy and Launch’s recent fundraising event.
Check it out here!
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November 28. 2023
Today is Giving Tuesday, a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. Giving Tuesday’s mission is to build a world where generosity is a part of everyday life. At Launch Okanagan, we love this mission because we believe that when you give, you get so much more in return. There are an unlimited number of ways that you can make giving a part of your everyday life, both big and small. I am so grateful for everyone that continues to give to our organization in every possible way, that I thought today was the perfect day to send out our newsletter and say thank you.
I was fortunate to learn the benefits of giving at a very young age. I watched my mom, a kindergarten teacher, find special ways to be generous to her students. Sometimes this involved giving her time and attention, while other times it involved buying backpacks and Christmas concert clothing for her students. Later, in high school, I remember selling candy canes to collect money to buy Christmas presents for families in need. I don’t remember how much money we raised, but I do remember the feeling of buying and handing over that big bag of toys. The memory of how that felt stays with me and is the reason why I made donating toys into a holiday tradition with my boys.
In our programs, we often talk about the positive effects of giving and how no amount is too small. If someone can give $2, then that is a meaningful donation and one worth making. If donating is a part of your holiday giving this year, we are gratefully accepting donations of any amount to support our work. You can learn how to donate by visiting our website or clicking the “donate now” button below. However, we recognize that donors often have many causes that they are passionate about. Fortunately, there are so many worthy charities in our community. I understand this deeply because, at Launch Okanagan, we are privileged to work in partnership with over 20 of them. We also know that the last few years have been extra challenging for charities in our community and the need keeps getting greater. No matter where you decide to donate, just know that your donation is deeply meaningful, and will have an impact in our community.
While giving our time and money is so important, I believe that giving a smile and taking a moment to connect meaningfully with others is just as important. I’ve personally shared smiles and connections with complete strangers that have left such a lasting impression on me. Today, I’m challenging everyone in my family to come up with a way to be generous this week. I hope you will consider joining me.
So, on Giving Tuesday and at the start of the holiday season, please accept my gratitude for following Launch Okanagan on its journey this past year. Whether you are a program participant, donor, volunteer, staff, or community member – thank you for being a part of the impact we have made in our community.
I wish you a holiday season filled with gratitude.
Jennifer Robins
Executive Director, Launch Okanagan
On November 7th, we celebrated Financial Literacy Month with our 2nd Annual Launch Okanagan Breakfast Fundraiser. Nearly 200 guests from the finance, non-profit and business community attended to support access to financial literacy in the Okanagan. Guests started their day by mingling over a canapé breakfast at the Coast Capri Hotel. Following this, they learned about Launch Okanagan’s work and the importance of finance literacy in our community.
This year’s special guest was Nancy Phillips. Nancy is the award-winning author of Wela Way Financial Life Skills resources – accredited by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and FINRA in the U.S. She is a international business consultant and Founder of Wela Strategic Consulting. Her informative and timely presentation topic was Hope and Possibility in Challenging Financial Times: Powerful and Shareable Tips for Improving Personal Well-Being Now. We were lucky to have her join us!
Not only did Nancy deliver a wonderful presentation, she was also generous enough to license two of her financial life skills books to Launch. 100% of the proceeds from these books will support Launch Okanagan’s work in the community. The books are available to be purchased here.
Thanks again to our title sponsor TD Bank Group, breakfast sponsor CFA Society Okanagan, program sponsor KPMG, and supporting sponsors BMO Private Wealth, Enriched Academy, Lawson Lundell LLP, Prospera Credit Union, ThreePoint Capital, and Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Special thanks to media partners Global Okanagan, AM 1150 and Kelowna’s Move and Castanet for promotional support.
Local financial services community gathers this November for Financial Literacy Month
October 24, 2023 – Launch Okanagan welcomes financial life skills advocate and author, Nancy Phillips, on November 7, 2023 as the keynote speaker at their 2nd annual breakfast fundraiser.
The Launch Okanagan Breakfast, presented by TD Bank Group, will host hundreds of local business and financial services community members gathering at the Coast Capri Hotel to celebrate Financial Literacy Month and support financial literacy programs in our region.
Nancy is the award-winning author of Wela Way Financial Life Skills resources – accredited by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and FINRA in the U.S. She is an international business consultant and has been featured in the Globe and Mail and over 70 radio shows. Her presentation experience includes speaking live for Raymond James U.S., Mindvalley University, Canada Life Insurance and more.
“The majority of Canadians are now experiencing financial challenges and stress,” says Nancy Phillips. “It has never been more important to discuss the human factors involved and provide solutions for daily life so this vicious cycle doesn’t continue in our community and country. This is what we’re going to talk about November 7th.”
This year’s event will feature a unique mix and mingle breakfast reception sponsored by the CFA Society Okanagan. The fundraiser includes an online 50/50 raffle and topical presentations with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and expansion of Launch Okanagan programs in our community.
Last year, Launch Okanagan delivered 37 programs and collaborated with 20 local program partners enabling 695 participants to take part free of charge. This year, they expanded their services to offer one hour community workshops to complement the financial education programs. The majority of participants are youth, single moms and dads, families, and other individuals who develop crucial money management and budgeting skills allowing them to prepare and plan for a more resilient financial future for their families.
Tickets and tables are nearly sold out. Get your breakfast and 50/50 tickets at: http://launchbreakfast.ca
Launch Okanagan’s workshops sponsored by MNP will run this fall on Zoom
October 16, 2023 (Kelowna, BC) – Participate in Financial Literacy Month by reviewing your finances. Sponsored by MNP, Launch Okanagan is hosting free, one-hour Zoom workshops on November 9 and 23 starting at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome!
Launch My Budget is the first in the two-part series. Participants will learn how to create a budget and, more importantly, how to stick to it. They will review the steps to follow when creating a budget and will be given some tips and tools to help them integrate budgeting into their life. After the workshop, all participants will be provided with a budgeting guide and other tools and resources to help keep their budget organized and up to date.
Managing Debt 101 is the second workshop that tackles the big, and often stressful, topic of debt. Many Canadians struggle to talk about money, especially when it involves discussing debt. This workshop helps participants take a step back, review their debt situation, and create strategies on how to work on repaying and taking control of their debt.
“At MNP, we believe that financial literacy is a key component to personal and community success, and we are proud to partner with Launch Okanagan to bring these workshops to our community,” says Jeané Herman, Kelowna Licensed Insolvency Trustee. “Through this partnership, our goal is to provide individuals with practical tools and resources to take control of their finances, to reduce stress, and to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
Both workshops will be delivered on Zoom and facilitated by Jennifer Robins, Executive Director of Launch Okanagan. If you can’t join either workshop live, you can still register, and you will be emailed a recording of the class and any related materials. You may choose to join one or both workshops, and all levels of participation are welcome. Participants can choose to interact and ask questions or simply listen and be an anonymous participant.
“At Launch Okanagan, we understand the real challenges that people are currently facing with their finances,” says Jennifer Robins, Executive Director. “Now more than ever it’s important to learn practical financial skills that you can put into action right away. Building your financial skills will also help to build your confidence and ability to make sound financial decisions.“
To register, visit https://launchokanagan.ca/workshops or contact Launch Okanagan at [email protected].
Launch Okanagan offers free online financial education program
September 13, 2023 – Does thinking about money or looking at your bills cause you stress and anxiety? Are you worrying about how to financially prepare for the unexpected or how to save for your future? If you want to learn skills to feel in control of your finances, you’re in luck! Launch Okanagan is beginning another session of the Dollars and Sense program – a free, eight-week condensed money management program for anyone wanting to better understand everyday financial matters.
The course begins September 27, 2023 and covers budgeting, saving and investing, credit and debit management, consumerism, and your relationship with money. Classes run on Wednesday evenings on Zoom, and participation is open to any individual needing money management mentorship.
“The Dollars and Sense program is suited for anyone that wants to improve their financial situation and learn strategies on how to manage their money more effectively,” says Jennifer Robins, Executive Director of Launch Okanagan.
Experienced professionals teach the course, including certified financial planners, providing participants with the tools to build financial stability. Program accessibility for participants is a priority of Launch Okanagan so they allow registrants to sign-up anonymously, removing the stigma from money matters.
The feedback from former program participants illustrates the impact of the program. A recent program graduate said: “It’s not an exaggeration to say this course has changed my life! I’m no longer afraid to look at my finances, make decisions about them or ask for help doing so.”
With the current economic outlook, the rate of inflation, and fear of further interest rate hikes, there’s no better time to focus on your finances. Join the program to learn what is negatively impacting your financial wellness and what steps you can take to reduce money stress and build financial security. The Dollars & Sense program empowers through education and mentorship, giving you control of your finances so you can achieve your goals.
The next Dollars and Sense program begins on September 27, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Anyone interested in improving their money management skills and planning for a more secure financial future is welcome!
To register, visit launchmyfuture.ca, or contact Launch Okanagan at [email protected].
