VIDEO: City councillor launches charitable campaign to help small business

You'll be seeing some new designer t-shirts and bags in Kelowna with the phrase Made in YLW on display. It's the brainchild of city councillor Loyal Wooldridge.

The shirts sell for $40 and Wooldridge said the money goes a long way. "We wanted to create a campaign that both benefited small business, and also benefited charity in Kelowna," he said.

"Many businesses have been faced with closures which have dramatically affected their cash flow," Wooldridge added. "That's what I hear the most from businesses is 'we need to generate more cash flow' to be able to make those payments that have been deferred into later months."

The shirts were designed by Ignite Design and Fleek Factory, and a portion of each sale will be donated to the YMCA Okanagan.

"We're absolutely thrilled," said the YMCA's Rhonda Zakala. "We've been closed since March 17, we've laid off many employees."

The YMCA has programs to help people of all ages and backgrounds reach for physical and mental health. "This program is critical to our re-opening, and serving the people most affected by the pandemic," added Zakala.

"We are promoting basically anything that's made in Kelowna or sourced in Kelowna," explained Wooldridge. "Businesses are able to purchase the t-shirts and tote bags at a wholesale price and they can keep the profits."

The gift to the YMCA is built into the wholesale price. "And the best part," he added, "is that not only does the business get to keep the profit, but they also get a tax receipt from the YMCA for that donation amount."