Vernon Gamer Raises $8,565 for Hospice in Mom's Memory

When Levi Meyers lost his mother to cancer in 2013, he found a powerful way to keep her memory alive while helping other families facing similar heartbreak.

On May 23, Meyers and his wife Esme hosted a 12-hour livestream on Twitch that raised $8,565 for the North Okanagan Hospice Society. The Vernon couple and their close friends managed the marathon broadcast from start to finish, creating an event that honored the compassionate care Meyers' mother received during her final days.

The fundraiser more than doubled their ambitious goal of $5,000. Last year's inaugural stream brought in just over $3,000, so the team knew they wanted to dream bigger this time around.

To motivate donors, Meyers made a bold promise. He'd bleach his hair live on camera if they hit the $5,000 mark.

The online community didn't just meet the challenge. They shattered it, pushing donations to nearly $8,600 by the end of the 12-hour stream.

Sunny's Take

What makes this story shine is how Meyers transformed personal loss into community gain. Most people will need hospice care at some point in their lives, either for themselves or a loved one, and he recognized that reality early.

Instead of letting grief become an ending, he turned it into a beginning. Every year, more families in Vernon will receive the same dignity and compassion his mother experienced, thanks to a son who refused to let her legacy fade.

The technical dedication required to pull off a 12-hour livestream shouldn't be underestimated either. Behind the scenes, Esme and their friends managed equipment, moderated chat, tracked donations, and kept the energy high for half a day straight.

The North Okanagan Hospice Society expressed deep gratitude for the team's efforts. Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing end-of-life care for local families when they need it most.

This year's success proves that when grief meets creativity and community spirit, beautiful things happen.