Kudos to the caring community of the South Okanagan. Our South Okanagan Women in Need Society recently held a Christmas celebration for the women and children who have had to use our services this year, and what a joyous occasion. Many volunteers helped decorate the Shatford Centre festively and the effect was met with awe. The children were so excited to visit with Santa.
We could not have done it without the extraordinary generosity of Paul Jones, the owner of the Vanilla Pod restaurant and Jacquie Carlson, the General Manager of Poplar Grove Winery. They provided the fabulous dinner and service, the venue, crafts for the children and the gifts for the women and the children. Throughout the evening both Paul and Jacquie mingled and ensured every woman and child were taken care of. Many chefs, including executive chef Bruno Terroso, plus helping elves from Poplar Grove contributed to the joyous and pampered feeling that the guests experienced.
Here are a few of the comments: “It was magical and special. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said a mother with two children. “This is my Christmas. Thank you to Poplar Grove, Vanilla Pod, and SOWINS for making it so wonderful,” a senior woman stated.
“I can’t thank you enough for all that you do for us. It really shows how much the community cares and that means a lot,” said a mother of one child.
Poplar Grove and Vanilla Pod have made many happy memories possible for over 150 women and children. Thank you.
Peggy Nicholson
president, Board of Directors at SOWINS