Penticton & District Community Resources is hosting a fundraising dinner to help raise money to meet the needs of local women and their babies that turn to charity for help.
“Each week a woman walks through the door of Bennet House feeling alone, anxious or overwhelmed because of issues related to their pregnancy,” said Tanya Behardien, executive director of PDCRS. “We ensure a qualified professional greets them for confidential counseling and the home feels welcoming, supportive and non-judgmental.”
Located at 200 Bennet Ave., the PDCRS Pregnancy Support Program connects new moms with options counselling, pregnancy education, parenting supports, maternity clothes, baby supplies and linkages to other community resources. Bennet House offers a mix of drop-in and structured programs every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at no cost to the participants.
“One program we offer women is a prenatal care program in partnership with Interior Health’s public health nurses,” said Behardien. “The classes help expectant moms better understand the stages of pregnancy, how to deal with common emotions and pregnancy symptoms, preparing for childbirth, visiting the hospital, and the importance of prenatal care.”
The Pregnancy Support Program also organizes weekly drop-in sessions where women can meet other parents, build friendships and learn life skills. The goal is to support mothers as needed through their baby’s first year of life. Typical conversations revolve around advice for caring for the baby and self-care strategies for new moms.
“We do not receive any government funding for this program, and we have a group of 20 volunteers like me who work at Bennet House and organize small fundraisers like the springtime Baby Bottle Drive and this dinner,” said volunteer Jean O’Fallon.
The event aims to raise $5,000 through the dinner, cash bar, toonie toss and live auction.
“Volunteers from the Knights of Columbus will be cooking a hearty dinner on Saturday Nov. 18 6 p.m. at St. John Vianney Hall at $25 ticket,” said O’Fallon. “And, Chef Sarren Wolfe of Neon Wolfe Creations has offered a private dinner for six to eight people in your home as one of our auction items.”
To buy a ticket, people can drop by the PDCRS office at 330 Ellis St. or contact PDCRS reception at info@pdcrs.com or by phone at 250-492-5814.