Who We Are

The Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) is a unique and powerful non-profit, charitable organization that uses adaptive equipment in nature to unite volunteers and people with disabilities.

(Charity # – 870544715 RR0001 – BC Society # S-43977)

We are a non-profit organization fuelled by dedicated volunteers with a commitment to the well-being of our community. We are a pioneer in adaptive recreation and offer programs tailored to the needs of our participants – from the beginner explorer to the seasoned wilderness enthusiast.

CRIS is comprised of 2 Programs

Adaptive Adventures: hike, paddle, cycle, cross-country ski or snowshoe for approximately 2 hours at a time in the central and north Okanagan. This program is funded by various sources and these contributions stay in our local communities.

Adaptive Wilderness Adventures: Multiday and wilderness trips to any destination in Canada, the U.S and the world. Costs covered by the individual who the trip is for. (hike, kayak, cycle, rock climbing, caving, the sky is the limit!)

Our Mission

To provide relief to people with physical and mental disabilities by developing and implementing outdoor and wilderness recreation programs in order to promote independence, assist with integration, reduce isolation and improve mental well-being of these individuals.

Reviving the Adventurous Soul

This video was submitted for funding in 2010 and 2011. It features former CRIS participant, Derek Watters, who speaks about the impact CRIS has had on his life, our activities, and the places he was able to go because of the adaptive equipment and dedicated volunteers on programs. On the inside we are the same as everyone else, even if on the outside we are different.

 

Team Spirit

We were founded in 2001 by outdoor enthusiast, Troy Becker, who continues today as our society’s President. We have provided over 7,600 adaptive outings to hundreds of individuals with disabilities since the inception of CRIS in 2001. Our generous volunteers have given over 120,000 volunteer hours in the past 10 years, and we currently have over 80 active volunteers assisting in the success of CRIS.

Whereabouts

CRIS is based out of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. We can be contacted here. Our boundaries run as far and wide as the imagination and desires of our participants. For an outline schedule of our daily activities, please proceed this way.