Angela Burnell, Thanks for Doing Some Good!
Interview performed on October 27, 2016 by Ryan Taylor
Angela was recently awarded the ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Capital News Community Leader Awards. The awards are largely for her work starting Bats for a Cause.
It has always been a feeling that everyone has a duty to give back, as much as they are able, to their community or those in need.
Angela played softball for over 30 years in Kelowna and has been a community organizer for the sport by sitting on the board of the Kelowna Adult Softball Association, where she is now an honorary board member. Angela is passionate about community sports and children’s health. This passion lead Angela, with the help of Jane Fletcher, to create the Bats for a Cause organization 8 years ago.
The Bats for a Cause annual event completed its 8th year in 2016 and this year they raised $85,000. In total, the Bats for a Cause tournament has raised beyond $380,000 since its inception. All of the funds raised go to the BC Children’s Hospital fund.
The biggest thing that keeps the Bats for a Cause tournament going every year are the teams. Teams register to participate and these teams volunteer to do significant fundraising on their own. This year, a single team from FortisBC raised over $10,000 for the cause. In addition to team registrations, corporate sponsors and volunteers are also needed every year.
Angela is thankful for the support she has received over the years from the Kelowna Adult Softball Association as well as the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary. A special mention goes out to the tireless work of all of the volunteers, the Bats For A Cause committee, Prospera Credit Union, Max and Sarah Mosley, Laurel DÁndrea and Patti Meger, and also the work Chris Jones does in support of KASA and the Juvenile Diabetes foundation.
Angela was recently awarded the ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Capital News Community Leader Awards. The awards are largely for her work starting Bats for a Cause.
What inspires you to volunteer?
It has always been a feeling that everyone has a duty to give back, as much as they are able, to their community or those in need.
Which causes are you most passionate about and why?
Angela played softball for over 30 years in Kelowna and has been a community organizer for the sport by sitting on the board of the Kelowna Adult Softball Association, where she is now an honorary board member. Angela is passionate about community sports and children’s health. This passion lead Angela, with the help of Jane Fletcher, to create the Bats for a Cause organization 8 years ago.
What impact have you seen the organization you work with, and their volunteers, make in the community?
The Bats for a Cause annual event completed its 8th year in 2016 and this year they raised $85,000. In total, the Bats for a Cause tournament has raised beyond $380,000 since its inception. All of the funds raised go to the BC Children’s Hospital fund.
What support is needed by the organization and how can people learn more or get involved?
The biggest thing that keeps the Bats for a Cause tournament going every year are the teams. Teams register to participate and these teams volunteer to do significant fundraising on their own. This year, a single team from FortisBC raised over $10,000 for the cause. In addition to team registrations, corporate sponsors and volunteers are also needed every year.
Is there a person, organization or caring company you would like to recognize that has helped support you to make a difference?
Angela is thankful for the support she has received over the years from the Kelowna Adult Softball Association as well as the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary. A special mention goes out to the tireless work of all of the volunteers, the Bats For A Cause committee, Prospera Credit Union, Max and Sarah Mosley, Laurel DÁndrea and Patti Meger, and also the work Chris Jones does in support of KASA and the Juvenile Diabetes foundation.