Kelowna Launches Canada’s First Youth Mental & Emotional Resiliency Kickoff Since 2015
For the first time since 2015, Ambassadors of Compassion has returned to Canada with the launch of the Ambassadors of Compassion Canada Society Youth Mental and Emotional Resiliency Kickoff Program in Kelowna, British Columbia.
This powerful pilot held on February 25, 2026, brought together hundreds of students in one room—marking a meaningful relaunch of a program that previously supported over 3,000 Canadian youth between 2009 and 2015.
Thank You to All Our Sponsors
We are grateful to all sponsors, donors, community partners, volunteers, educators, and supporters who helped make the Ambassadors of Compassion Canada pilot re-launch possible. Lifted Foundation – Title Sponsor, Kelowna Pilot Launch.  Thank you to the Lifted Foundation for supporting the relaunch of our Kelowna pilot event on February 25, 2026. We appreciate their contribution and support of this important milestone
AOCCS Canada final Honour Event – May 29 2026
On May 29, 2026, students, educators, leaders and community partners gathered at FLEX Academy in Kelowna to celebrate the successful wrap-up of the Ambassadors of Compassion program and its exciting reintroduction into Canada.
We extend our deepest gratitude to FLEX Academy, Central Okanagan Public Schools, Westbank First Nation, Kleos Open Learning and everyone who helped bring this initiative to life.
We were also honoured to welcome Robb Nash and his award-winning team, who travelled all the way from Manitoba to share their powerful message of hope, purpose and resilience with our young people.
This celebration would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, educators, school leaders, youth, volunteers, community partners and City supporters. Thank you to everyone who donated time, funding, resources and expertise to ensure that young people receive the support they need to become compassionate citizens, engaged students, courageous leaders and future business owners.
We are especially grateful to LIFTED for contributing some of the initial funding that helped make this Canadian reintroduction possible.
Ambassadors of Compassion has already reached more than 120,000 young people across North America. We know the value of this program, and we hear clearly what young people are asking for: meaningful connection, trusted guidance, practical life skills and adults who genuinely believe in them.
As we continue growing our Canadian leadership, partnerships and youth participation, even more exciting projects are now taking shape.
We are currently preparing a major announcement about our upcoming North America-wide fall kickoff—broadcast live by simulcast directly to participating schools.
Stay tuned for more details!
To every leader, believer, sponsor and supporter who helped us achieve what once seemed impossible: thank you for standing with us and investing in the future of our youth.
#AmbassadorsOfCompassion #RobbNash #FLEXAcademy #Kelowna #CentralOkanagan #WestbankFirstNation #KleosOpenLearning #YouthLeadership #CanadianYouth #LiveSimulcast
Thank You to All Our Sponsors
We are grateful to all sponsors, donors, community partners, volunteers, educators, and supporters who helped make the Ambassadors of Compassion Canada pilot re-launch possible. Lifted Foundation – Title Sponsor, Kelowna Pilot Launch.  Thank you to the Lifted Foundation for supporting the relaunch of our Kelowna pilot event on February 25, 2026. We appreciate their contribution and support of this important milestone
A Historic First
For the first time ever, students from:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Faith-based schools
- First Nation communities
came together in one shared experience.
No separation—just youth, fully seen and included.
A Community That Showed Up
Before entering, students walked a Reverse Red Carpet, welcomed by:
- City leaders
- School superintendents
- Police officers
- Interior Health
- Sponsors and community partners
All standing together to honour and support the next generation.
Why This Matters
This pilot confirms something clear:
The need for youth mental health, emotional resilience, and student well-being in Canada is real—and when communities align, the impact is immediate.
What’s Next
This is just the beginning.
Ambassadors of Compassion Canada Society is now exploring expansion through:
School partnerships
Community-wide initiatives
Corporate sponsorship
Addiction and Recovery Groups
to bring this work to more youth across Canada.
❤️ To all of our sponsors, supporters, educators, and community members—thank you. Your support made this possible, and we are deeply grateful.
With Deep Gratitude to Our Sponsors
DALLAS SMITH FOUNDATION
Title Sponsor
