Kelowna fashion show raises thousands for Parkinson’s disease research
Published 10:24 am Monday, October 19, 2026
Over $35,700 was raised to support research into Parkinson’s disease in Kelowna.
The money was raised during the third Spirit of Hope fashion show event, which was held on Oct. 15 at Erica Jane Restaurant in downtown Kelowna.
The event featured food, a silent auction, a fashion show, and a keynote address from Dr. Daryl Wile and Dr. Talyta Cortez Grippe, neurologists and movement disorder specialists at the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic, which is where the funds will be directed.
The Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic is located at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). Funds raised during the fashion show were matched by the Humphrey family.
“Spirit of Hope is a powerful reminder that community generosity can drive extraordinary progress in health care,” said Chandel Schmidt, vice-president of Philanthropy at KGH Foundation. “Dr. Wile, Dr. Grippe, and their team are making remarkable progress right here in Kelowna, but it wouldn’t be possible without community generosity and the Humphreys Family’s transformational $1 million commitment. We are honoured to support the clinics vital work to improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients in our region.”
In a news release on the matter, Interior Health (IH) said around 3,000 people across the health district’s jurisdiction are living with Parkinson’s disease. IH said the need for specialized care for the disease is increasing, along with the importance of donations.
“When I started this clinic, my goal was to ensure that people living with movement disorders could access exceptional care without having to travel to larger centres,” shared Wile. “The generosity behind Spirit of Hope will help us continue to support research, attract specialized talent, and bring new technologies and treatment to patients here in the Interior. It’s incredibly meaningful to see our community invest in a better future for people living with Parkinson’s.”
Panorama Wealth Management Group, which includes Scotia Bank, Sentes Automotive, Isabey Interiors, Mission Hill, and Erica Jane, helped make the event possible.
More information about the Humphreys Family Movement Disorder Clinic can be found at kghfoundation.com/ reimagining-parkinsons-care.
