Barbecue for homeless talk

United Way BC is hosting a community barbecue next week to discuss homelessness in West Kelowna.

The organization is inviting residents and businesses from West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation to the barbecue, which will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 4-6 p.m. at Memorial Park.

“We want this event to be about connections—between people, community and ideas—and will have a large whiteboard where people can write their suggestions on how to address this important issue,” United Way BC emergency response partnerships specialist Magda Kapp said in a press release.

“Homelessness is a complex issue, and this event is part of a broader effort to raise awareness to come up with sustainable solutions while creating a more inclusive, compassionate community.”

Turning Points Collaborative Society and the City of West Kelowna are co-hosts of the event, which aims to create dialogue around addressing homelessness in the region. The event will include a free barbecue, live entertainment from singer-songwriter Kelly David Bellanger and a panel discussion with representatives from the City of West Kelowna Bylaws, Turning Points and United Way BC.

Memorial Park is located at 3743 Old Okanagan Hwy.