Building More Than Walls – Groundbreaking for the JoeAnna’s House Expansion
Kelowna, B.C September 8, 2025 – Members of the media and community are invited to attend the official groundbreaking of the JoeAnna’s House expansion on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. This milestone event marks the beginning of construction that will add 10 much-needed family rooms to JoeAnna’s House, ensuring more families have a comfortable, supportive place to stay while their loved ones receive care at Kelowna General Hospital.
The celebration will feature remarks from community leaders and partners, a ceremonial groundbreaking photo opportunity, backyard games, and light snacks and refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend, donors, neighbours, passers by, come join in on the celebration of this much needed expansion which will keep guests close to care, and close to family.
Event Details
- What: JoeAnna’s House Expansion Groundbreaking & Backyard Party
- A ceremonial groundbreaking with dignitaries, partners, and community members. (Photo opp.)
- Backyard games
- Lite snacks & beverages
- Guided tours of JoeAnna’s House
- When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Where: JoeAnna’s House, 321 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, BC
- Why: Originally built with 20 family rooms, the need has arisen to expand JoeAnna’s House. We are now ready to expand the house to accommodate more guests, alleviate the constant waitlist (more than 1000+ families have been turned away due to capacity), and keep more families together at JoeAnna’s House when they need it most.
Program Highlights and Speakers
- Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation
- Elder Edna Terbasket
- Darlene Haslock, Director, JoeAnna’s House
- Tom Dyas, Mayor, City of Kelowna
- Kayla Vannieuwenhuizen, former JoeAnna’s House Guest
- Brandon Panopoulos, President, TKI Construction
Media Contact
Carly Reuter, Director of Community Engagement
JoeAnna’s House (KGH Foundation)
C: 250-215-6760
E: Carly.Reuter@interiorhealth.ca
