Kelowna registered charity
Okanagan Student Support Society
Dedicated to helping hard-working Central Okanagan students graduate high school
Who we are
Helping students finish high school
The Okanagan Student Support Society (OSSS) is a registered charity in Kelowna, BC. We provide financial assistance and recognition to hard-working high school students who want to graduate but face financial barriers.
Our directors pay every administrative cost, so 100% of what you give goes to students.
- Help students facing financial hardship finish high school
- Recognize the effort students put in
- Show students their community believes in them
- Help each student reach their full potential
"The money I have been given is more than just financial help but has given me more confidence about my place in the world and lessened the burden on my family."
Excerpt from a student letter
The need
One in ten Okanagan children live below the poverty line
That includes almost half the children in single-parent families. Too many students with the desire and ability to graduate face daunting financial challenges, and for them, financial assistance can make the difference between graduating and dropping out. Principals at our participating schools told us the number of students in this situation is disturbingly large.
How the program works
Schools select students
Vice-principals and counsellors choose students on individual merit. Students attend a Central Okanagan public high school full time, have finished at least one year, show a strong work ethic and are in a difficult financial situation.
We provide monthly support
Each student receives $100 a month during the school year. Our Board raises the funds and transfers the money directly.
Students graduate
School officials make sure students keep working toward graduation. A diploma opens doors to work, the trades and post-secondary.
2026/27 schools: Rutland Senior Secondary · École Kelowna Secondary · George Elliot Secondary · Mount Boucherie Secondary
Testimonials
What schools and students say
"This support makes my daily life easier and allows me to focus more on school and lets me buy lunch when I don't have enough money. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated."
Excerpt from a student letter
"The selfless contribution of the OSSS will have a lasting impact on the educational journeys of these deserving individuals, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in helping them achieve graduation and future success."
Hugh Alexander, Principal, Rutland Senior Secondary
"We thank you for your generous donations to support students in Central Okanagan Public Schools. I look forward to continuing to support this amazing partnership."
Jon Rever, Superintendent, Central Okanagan Public Schools
About us
Started by two Kelowna neighbours
David Chatterson and Alistair Taylor became friends after moving to Kelowna and wanted to contribute to the community's future. They provided the first $30,000, incorporated OSSS under the BC Societies Act in 2024, and received CRA charitable status in March 2025. The program was built with local principals and guidance counsellors.
A proven model
OSSS is based on Ottawa's Help Our Students (HOST) Program, started in 2010. HOST now provides more than $500,000 a year to over 300 students.
Board of Directors
David Chatterson
President
Co-founder, former Canadian diplomat and adjunct professor at UBC Okanagan.
Alistair Taylor
Vice-President
Co-founder, former lawyer and former Municipal District of Foothills councillor.
Ruth Benedict
Director of Development
Finance and sales background, more than 20 years in real estate.
Brian Steeves
Treasurer
Tax Partner at Crowe MacKay LLP.
Partners
Thank you to our donors
Community Builders · $5,000+
David & Mizuho Chatterson · Alistair & Sharon Taylor · Anne Wallis
Student Supporters · $1,000+
David Carson · Jim Chernek · Patrick Forrest · KREBS Real Estate Group (Angie & Trai Krebs) · Karina & Darcy Biagioni · Anonymous (3)
Donors
Betty-Jean Friedman · Legato Dental Centre · Alexis MacMillan · Big Rock Consulting (Glenn Wightman) · Three Points Capital · Anonymous (5)
In the media
OSSS in the news
Capital News · September 2026Program offers financial help for Kelowna high school students in needCBC Radio Daybreak South · April 2026Stay in school cash group says bucks make a big differenceFAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the Okanagan Student Support Society?
The Okanagan Student Support Society (OSSS) is a Kelowna, BC registered charity (71693 2751 RR0001) that provides monthly financial support and recognition to hard-working high school students whose financial circumstances make it harder to graduate.
How do students receive OSSS support?
Students don't apply directly. Vice-principals and counsellors at participating schools select students who attend full time, have completed at least one year of high school, show a strong work ethic and are in a difficult financial situation.
Which schools does OSSS support?
For 2026/27: Rutland Senior Secondary, École Kelowna Secondary, George Elliot Secondary and Mount Boucherie Secondary, all in Central Okanagan School District 23.
How much do students receive?
Each student receives $100 a month during the school year.
How much of my donation goes to students?
100%. Our directors personally cover all administrative costs, so every donated dollar goes to students.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. OSSS is a CRA registered charity that issues tax receipts.
Can a business sponsor students?
Yes. Businesses and families can give at the Student Supporter ($1,000+) or Community Builder ($5,000+) level.
Donate
Your donation can transform lives and can be made in many ways. We hope you can join us in providing a better future for students.
Donate directly by cheque or e-transfer
You can e-transfer or mail a cheque to us. This is the most cost-effective way of donating as your entire donation is distributed to students. Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt for the full amount donated. E-transfers can be one time or set up for monthly donations. Please include your mailing and email address as the CRA requires these to produce an official tax receipt.
Our email: helpingstudents.osss@gmail.com · Our address: OSSS, 1451 Oakridge Road, Kelowna, V1W 3A8
Donate through CanadaHelps: credit/debit cards and equities
You can donate online through CanadaHelps, a Canadian registered charity that processes online donations for charities. CanadaHelps will process your donation, deduct a fee to cover their expenses, remit the money to our bank account and issue you an income tax receipt for the full amount you donate. CanadaHelps deducts 3.75% of each donation (3.5% for monthly donations) to cover their processing and administrative costs. 100% of the remainder is distributed to students.
You can also donate Canadian securities you own (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs) through CanadaHelps. They will arrange for the transfer and sale of the equities, issue you an income tax receipt for the sale amount and transfer the proceeds to the OSSS. You receive a tax credit for the full amount of the sale and you are exempt from paying tax on any capital gains arising from the sale. The CanadaHelps fee for processing securities is 2% to 3%, depending on the value of the securities.
Donate your bottles
For a quick and easy way to donate your returnable bottles, create a Return-It account through the app or online. When you redeem your funds, choose With Donation and select Okanagan Student Support Society (OSSS), or set up Automatic Donation for all future drop-offs. Tax receipts are given out annually.