There is no doubt that Angela Burnell is the driving force behind Bats for a Cause, an Okanagan slo-pitch tournament that quickly raises big bucks every year for the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
“It’s a wood bat, mixed-team charity tournament,” Angela says, that draws enthusiasts mainly from the Central Okanagan but Prince George has become one of its biggest fundraisers, contributing $10,000 last year alone.
“Last year we had 22 teams and all together the participants raised $85,000 after expenses.”
The total fundraising effort over the eight years of Bats for a Cause now adds up to more than $380,000.
Of course it’s a team effort, with the Kelowna Adult Softball Association and groups like Kelowna Sunrise Rotary helping put together teams. Prospera Credit Union, as title sponsor, provides ongoing support.
“Back in the day,” Angela says, “it was businesses that organized teams. Now loads of different company teams come out to play and donate.”
But from co-founding the tournament with Jane Fletcher, to being the “collective get-it-all-together person” today, it’s Angela who is the person everyone still turns to for answers
