The Nicholas Zhou Legacy Fund was established in 2022 at the BC Interior Community Foundation, in memory of Nicholas Zhou, whose struggles with depression ended his life at just 19. The purpose of the Fund is to provide help, resources and support for youth – and for the friends and families who walk beside them.
Ongoing grants from the fund will support BGC and FOUNDRY Kamloops, a new youth mental health initiative supported by Interior Community Services (ICS), which will be coming to Kamloops in 2026.
In memory of Nicholas, family and friends launched a 5km Run, Walk or Stroll to raise awareness for youth mental health. This has become an annual event that continues to raise awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention.
The 3rd Annual Nicholas’ Run for Youth Mental Health will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at 9 am in Pioneer Park, downtown Kamloops.
Organizers of the run have identified a significant gap in available support for young people transitioning from school age to adulthood. Their mission is to provide help, assistance, and resources to youth aged 15 to 25, as well as to their friends and families who support them. They believe that a community-based care approach will enhance the well-being of youth in need.
100% of the funds raised at the run will remain in Kamloops and the surrounding area to provide support for local charities!
Building Nicholas’ Legacy
- 2023: The first official Nicholas’ Run for Youth Mental Health took place and raised $16,880 for the fund.
- 2024: A $5,000 grant was disbursed from the Nicholas Zhou Legacy Fund to support BGC Kamloops (formerly the Boys and Girls Club) to provide professional counselling for youth aged 15 to 25.
- 2025: The Nicholas Zhou Legacy Fund disbursed a second grant, this time $10,000, to support Foundry BC, a youth mental health initiative led by Interior Community Services, which will be opening in Kamloops in 2026.
- Today: With community support, the Nicholas’ Run for Youth Mental Health has now raised $32,127 for the Nicholas Zhou Legacy Fund.
