Sikhs Generously Give for a Sacred Space for Everyone

 

Sunday, October 4, 2015: Kindhearted taxi drivers and members of the Sikh community have raised $15,000 for a new spiritual centre at Kelowna General Hospital.

The funds were presented Sunday at an event at the Okanagan Sikh Temple in Rutland on behalf of the Sikhs and Kelowna Taxi.

Kelowna General Hospital - new wing

The hospital’s new Sacred Space, designed to replace its former chapel, has an estimated cost of $140,000, all of which is to be funded by donations through the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

The Sacred Space will be on the first floor of the new Centennial building, set back from the hospital’s main lobby and admitting area to provide easy access will also offering peace and quiet to those who enter.

“One of our goals is to create a space that is beneficial to all groups. And we feel that with the design of this space, we’ve done just that,” said Derek Koch, the hospital’s spiritual health practitioner.

Planning for the Sacred Space involved consultation with representatives of many faiths and the aboriginal community.

“Coming to KGH to be near by son during his recovery, I was grateful to find a quiet place to sit, pray, and reflect,” says Margo, a woman from outside the Kelowna area.

“The peaceful environment gave me an opportunity to journal my thoughts and feelings,” Margo said.

“I am thankful for a place to make a spiritual connection in the middle of crisis.”

For more information or to donate to the Sacred Space, see kghfoundation.com.