Categories: School News

Community Unites for Kindness Always Wins Volleyball Match

Participants and supporters unite at the Kindness Always Wins volleyball match.

News Summary

On December 17, the Vernon community came together for the annual Kindness Always Wins volleyball match, raising $3,000 for the Emily Dahl Foundation. The event highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and fostered connections within the community. Coordinated by local athletes, the match celebrated teamwork and kindness, reinforcing the message that everyone can contribute to making a positive impact. With record funds raised and a growing spirit of unity, the event promised continued support for mental health initiatives in the future.

Community Comes Together for Kindness Always Wins Volleyball Match

The city of Vernon witnessed an uplifting display of community spirit on December 17, as the Kindness Always Wins volleyball match took place at the Clarence Fulton School courts. This popular event has become a staple in the area, drawing participants and spectators who all come together for a heartwarming cause.

Raising Funds for a Meaningful Cause

This annual gathering was organized to support the Emily Dahl Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to the memory of Emily Dahl, who tragically lost her life to suicide at the young age of 18 in 2019. Over the past few years, the match has not just provided an opportunity for friendly competition, but it’s also helped raise awareness about mental health issues while bringing in much-needed funds. This year, the event smashed previous records by raising an impressive $3,000, which will go toward supporting initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and a sense of community well-being.

Teamwork and Kindness Take Center Stage

The event was coordinated by athletes from the Vernon School District’s Beyond Sport Academy. This is spearheaded by Troy Lorenson, who serves as the head coach and founder/director of the Beyond Sport Inc. and Volleyball Academy. Lorenson, who was also Emily Dahl’s head coach during her final season as captain for the Sky Volleyball Club in 2018, played a significant role in the event’s success. He emphasizes that teamwork and kindness are not just essential for success in sports but are also vital qualities that help build and strengthen a community.

Community Support and Connection

A big part of what makes this event so special is the sense of unity it showcases. The Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) manages the Emily Dahl Foundation Charitable Fund and highlighted how the community’s collective effort played a crucial role in achieving this amazing result. It’s not just about raising funds; it’s about fostering connections among community members and making sure no one feels isolated in their struggles.

Leanne Hammond from CFNO noted that this fundraiser is a powerful testament to the strength that comes from community unity. It’s heartening to see so many people come together to create a better North Okanagan for all its residents.

A Meaningful Experience for All

Wristbands symbolizing kindness were available for purchase during the match, providing yet another way for attendees to donate while showing their support for the cause. Organizers described this volleyball match as an opportunity for everyone in the community to experience both love and kindness. Each match served as a reminder that we can all be champions for each other—not only on the court but in our everyday lives.

It seems that the legacy of Emily Dahl continues to inspire acts of compassion and strengthen bonds among people in this vibrant community. The event not only serves as a philanthropic fundraiser but as a rallying point for ongoing support for mental health initiatives, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their struggles.

As the curtain falls on this year’s kind-hearted volleyball match, the spirit of kindness and community remains alive and well, showing once again that when people come together with purpose, anything is possible.

What Lies Ahead

Looking forward, the success of the Kindness Always Wins event sets a hopeful tone for future activities. With each passing year, the community of Vernon demonstrates that the bonds created through sporting events like this can lead to positive change and ongoing support for those in need. Here’s to more years of kindness, unity, and success!