As Kelowna-Centre MLA Kristina Loewen put it, "It defies human instinct to climb off a building" -- except when it's for a worthy, and needed cause.
Loewen made the remark moments after rappelling down the five-storey TownePlace Suites by Marriott in West Kelowna on Friday, May 23, as part of the Over The Edge fundraiser. The event supports Freedom’s Door, a non-profit organization that provides addiction recovery programs for men in Kelowna.
This year’s fundraiser focused on the Belaire Avenue Project, an ambitious initiative to build transitional townhomes behind three existing Freedom’s Door residences. The project will eventually provide housing for up to 60 men transitioning from recovery to independent living.
“They are doing such good work,” Loewen added. “The project that we are fundraising for will house about 60 men who are transitioning out of recovery to the next phase which is functional housing.”
Peter Lees, Executive Director of Freedom’s Door, emphasized the importance of community support and the organization’s independence from government funding.
“We could not have done it without them,” Lees said. “With not relying on government funding we can do what we want to do. We want a sober facility and make sure our guys are looked after from day one until they leave.”
Lees also singled out Sandy Shier and Todd Peters of Freedom's Door for spearheading the Over The Edge event.
The Belaire project extends the recovery timeline by offering up to 18 additional months of housing after the initial 90-day program. Residents are expected to work, volunteer, or pursue education during this phase.
“Constantly we have a wait list of 40 people,” Lees noted. “In recovery, it doesn't take just 90 days, it takes a lifetime. The longer you can have clean time — is what we call it — the better chance you have in recovery.”
The first four units of the Belaire project are expected to be completed by fall 2025, with the remaining townhomes scheduled over the next two to three years 1.
Loewen also recognized Lees’ contributions to the B.C. Legislature following his receipt of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, honouring his leadership in addiction recovery.
