EcoCooks is a non-profit program on a mission to empower youth

Oct 29, 2025

Pamela Murkin Executive Director EcoCooks

EcoCooks is a non-profit program on a mission to empower youth. The Executive Director, Pamela Murkin, was sick and unable to attend. Bonny DeMelo filled in as a last minute replacement. She did a wonderful job starting with a thank you to Cathy Goheen for making the connection between EcoCooks and our club at VegFest. She thanked Cherie Dunn for taking care of the logistics of the speaker.

EcoCooks gets donated food from Salvation Army, Save On Foods, and other stores/suppliers for their cooking. The elementary students (average about 10 years old) learn kitchen hygiene and safety. They learn about where their food comes from, including helping planting garlic at Helen’s Acres. About 80% of their students are boys and they love it! So far, they have reached 9,140 youth (across Canada) since the start of the program during Covid. 290 families in Kelowna have participated in the program. The 8-week program (2 hours and 15 minute workshops - usually after school) includes games for the children to help them learn the principles of healthy eating and where their food comes from.They learn to cook, how to use knives and graters safely, and how to clean up after cooking! The programs teach the students to be respectful, and inclusive.