A community-led initiative has been launched to raise funds to build a permanent memorial at Knowles Heritage Park in honour of the five victims who tragically lost their lives when a crane collapsed in downtown Kelowna, BC, on July 12, 2021.
The Rise Memorial will immortalize the memories of the five men lost and evolve over time as a key anchor point in the downtown Kelowna landscape, giving everyone a space to grieve, remember, reminisce, and be truly present in the power of community.
Thank you for making a difference
The goal was to raise $225,000 to pay for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Rise Memorial. At the end of the campaign, all funds were transferred to the Rise Memorial Foundation, which will continue to administer the construction expenses.
Your support, alongside hundreds of other caring individuals, made this vision a reality.
To learn more about the memorial site, visit their project’s website at: www.risememorial.com.
In loving memory
Patrick and Eric Stemmer, Jared Zook, and Cailen Vilness, all construction workers on the Bernard block site who were part of the crane dismantling process, died in the collapse. The falling crane also hit another building and claimed the life of Brad Zawislak. Besides the fatalities, the accident permanently traumatized dozens of workers on the site, as well as a usually quiet Kelowna downtown core.
Cailen Vilness
Jared Zook
Eric Stemmer
Patrick Stemmer
Brad Zawislak
Memorial design
The design of the memorial includes dedicated areas for each family to grieve their loved ones, as well as a center “Legacy Tree” that will honour all those workers who have lost their lives to a workplace accident. The memorial will represent the strength and resilience of Kelowna and serve as a reminder of the importance of safety in our communities.
Two years in the making
Within a matter of hours, news of the unfortunate accident spread throughout the valley, province, and even further. Despite the immense tragedy, the community united in an unprecedented manner to collectively mourn and support one another through this distressing news. Days later, a temporary display was erected on the gates of the construction site, comprising an assortment of flowers, photographs, candles, and, notably, orange safety vests. The RISE memorial, located at Knowles Heritage Park, perpetuates this enduring legacy of love, hope, and strength derived from community bonds.
Frequently asked questions
Any contribution, regardless of the amount, is greatly appreciated and will contribute towards our fundraising goal. Please note that United Way BC is no longer collecting donations for the campaign. Those individuals who still wish to make a contribution to the future of the site, are encouraged to do so through the Rise Memorial’s website at www.risememorial.com. Please note that the Rise Memorial Foundation does not have CRA charitable status, and therefore is unable to issue a tax receipt for your contribution.
Yes, the families of each of the young men involved in the accident have been actively involved in every step of the process. This includes the selection of the Landscape Architect and the approval of the final design.
If fundraising efforts are successful, construction could commence as early as May 2024. Construction efforts will begin once 90% of the required funds are collected.
Closer to the construction phase, there may be opportunities for community members to participate in certain aspects of the construction process, such as decorating or placing tiles or planting flowers. All donors will be contacted via email and invited to participate in these initiatives at the appropriate time.
The Rise Memorial Foundation and the City of Kelowna will oversee the future stewardship of the park, which includes responding to service requests as well as allocating budgeted funds for maintenance of the site, and any future upgrades. This will ensure the park is as beautiful in the future as it is when it opens!
In the event that funds raised surpass the costs associated with the construction of the memorial, the excess amount will be allocated to the operating accounts of the Rise Memorial Foundation, who will look after the memorial site in the future.
United Way British Columbia facilitates collaboration among individuals, non-profit organizations, government entities, labor unions, and businesses to address unique community needs throughout the province. We have recognized the significant impact and importance of this project in fostering vital connections and facilitating healing within a community that has experienced immense loss. It is our privilege to participate in this endeavor in partnership with the North Okanagan Labour Council, , the Rise Memorial Foundation, City of Kelowna, and Ecora.
Until May 2024, United Way BC served as the project’s fund administrator and assumed the following responsibilities:
– Issuing receipts to qualifying donors that accurately reflect their charitable contributions. – Establishing a fundraising website capable of accepting funds designated for this specific project. – Disbursing funds to contractors as the project progresses. – Preparing a comprehensive financial report that details all funds raised and expenditures.
Ensure the cheque is made out to the “Rise Memorial Foundation”, and please send the cheque to the attention of Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Hutchinson at:
#25-218 Glen Park Drive Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 2W3
