BCICF Christmas Cheer Fund gives nearly $30,000 to three Kamloops charities.

Three Kamloops charities received nearly $30,000 from the BCICF Christmas Cheer Fund; the money will support newcomer children's summer programs, a replacement smart board at the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, and travel costs for women and children leaving violent situations.

Representatives from the BC Interior Community Foundation and Castanet Kamloops presented a cheque from this year's Christmas Cheer campaign to three Kamloops charities on Feb. 19. The presentation follows a weeks-long fundraising drive held during the 2025 holiday season. The campaign, run by BCICF with newsroom support, has been carried out in various forms since the early 1990s. This is the third year BCICF has run the current annual Christmas Cheer Fund. Key details: - Nearly $30,000 was raised through the 2025 Christmas Cheer Fund campaign. - The recipients are the Kamloops Y Emergency Women's Shelter, the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism, and Kamloops Immigrant Services. - Funds will help pay travel costs for women and children leaving violent situations at the Kamloops Y Women's Emergency Shelter. - Money will also support Kamloops Immigrant Services' summer programs for newcomer children and pay for a replacement smart board at the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism. - BCICF executive director Wenda Noonan said donors attended fundraiser events and gave in a community effort. Summary: The nearly $30,000 will be used to cover program costs, equipment needs, and travel support for vulnerable residents and newcomer children. Undetermined at this time.