Kelowna chef and restaurant owner Ross Derrick has launched a GoFundMe to support the family of Mia Papadopoulos, a fellow chef and sommelier well-known in Kelowna's hospitality sector who died unexpectedly on April 11.
The aims to collect $5,000 to support Papadopoulos' nephew Jack.
"MiaÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s greatest joy and deepest love was her family, including her nephew, Jack," the fundraiser reads. "Mia was more than an aunt Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥” she was JackÏã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥™s biggest cheerleader, mentor, and second mother. She nurtured his dreams, celebrated his milestones, and offered unconditional love with her signature warmth and fierce loyalty. Her absence leaves a profound void in his life, one we can never fully fill Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµÖ±²¥” but we can honour her legacy by rallying around the one she loved most."
Funds raised will help Jack with mental health supports, future education, and other opportunities his aunt would have wanted for him.
A celebration of life will be held on April 28 at Revelry Food and Music Hub. Everyone who knew Papadopoulos is invited to attend from 3-6 p.m.