Yoga fundraiser planned for Kelowna woman killed in car crash

KELOWNA – A deep friendship cut short has pushed a Kelowna woman to help out her friend's family.

Anna Mandl says she knew Chantal Bazin since elementary school. Bazin is the young woman who was killed last weekend along with Kayla Cartwright in a car crash on Highway 97 in Vernon.

“I’ve known Chantal since grade six. It was my first year living in Kelowna and she was so open and kind. We’ve been best friends since,” Anna Mandl says.

A lakeside wake held last Tuesday for both young women drew hundreds of friends and family to Mushroom Beach in Kelowna where they released balloons with inspirational messages and lit candles in their memory.

Mandl was not surprised at how many people showed up.

“Chantal would do anything for her friends. She would stick up for you no matter what. She was so kind and loving to everyone.”

When she heard about the highway tragedy, Mandl was moved to help out.

“She stood next to me for my wedding and my engagement and every big life moment I have had. She is so amazing. Chantal had the brightest and most amazing soul.”

Mandle has organized a fundraising yoga session and silent auction in Kelowna’s Kinsmen Park tomorrow, July 19 at 10:30 a.m. The money raised will go to Chantel's mom Carolyn to help with the funeral expenses.

“Chantal danced as a child and we want to remember her in a capacity as close as possible to that, so everyone could attend. This will be a very easy, gentle, compassionate class.”

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.