'Warm and generous': Fundraiser for West Kelowna girl, 8, huge success

A West Kelowna mother of an eight-year-old girl with severe form cerebral palsy is overwhelmed with the love shown to her family during a fundraiser earlier this month.

The Mia's Ride event at Grizzli Winery on Mar. 9, raised nearly $25,000 toward the purchase and conversion of a new van for Mia Kuypers and her family.

"It was amazing," said Teresa Kuypers, Mia's mom. "We want to express our deepest gratitude for the support in our fundraising efforts. We are incredibly grateful for the love and generosity."

Mia was born at just 24 weeks old and was in a Natal Intensive Care Unit for six months. Cerebral palsy affects her hearing, and speech and confines her to a wheelchair.

"We need an all-wheel drive van because we have to go to BC Children's Hospital multiple times a year," Kuypers explained.

The family had planned on purchasing a two to five year old Toyota Sienna, however, for Mia's specific needs, those plans have changed.

"The government, a year or two ago, changed it so that you are no longer allowed to covert a used vehicle you can only covert a brand new vehicle," Kuypers added.

Converting the van will cost approximately $54,000, including modifications to the inside of the vehicle and a wheelchair ramp.

Kuypers said they have raised just over $34,000 of their $108,000 goal.

"I think we may hold another event in late spring, there will definitely be one in the summer," she said.

Visit the Mia's Ride website for more about the Kuypers family.