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.
Your support, alongside hundreds of other caring individuals, will make this vision a reality.
Help us reach our goal
The goal is to raise $300,000 to pay for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Rise Memorial. Donations over $25 are eligible for a CRA tax receipt.
Rise Memorial – Kelowna Remembers
Donate today
Help us raise $300,000 to pay for the design, construction, and maintenance of the memorial.
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.
Cailen Vilness
Jared Zook
Eric Stemmer
Patrick Stemmer
Brad Zawislak
Memorial design
The preliminary design of the memorial includes dedicated areas for each family to grieve their loved ones, but designers also hope it will provide solace to anyone who has lost a loved one in 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 in order to receive a tax receipt from United Way, the minimum donation amount is $25.
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 October 2023. 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 placing tiles or planting flowers. All donors will be contacted via email and invited to participate in these initiatives at the appropriate time.
The Memorial Steering Committee is actively exploring options to ensure ongoing funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the project. In the future, there may be a dedicated group responsible for administering these funds and managing the maintenance work.
In the event that funds raised surpass the costs associated with the construction of the memorial, the excess amount will be allocated to a Qualified Donee, as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency. United Way BC and the North Okanagan Labour Council will oversee this process in consultation with the families of the five men. Possible avenues for directing these funds include establishing a local non-profit entity to handle the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the memorial or supporting an advocacy initiative focused on crane worker safety.
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, City of Kelowna, and Ecora.
United Way BC will serve as the project’s fund administrator and assume 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 United Way BC, and please send the cheque to United Way BC’s Burnaby Office:
Crane Workers Memorial Project United Way British Columbia
