In June 2016 a small group of men came together at a meeting at the Cannery Brewing Company on Ellis Street in Penticton.
Their goal was simple, to get 100 or more men together who wanted to make a difference, not just Penticton, but in the communities in the South Okanagan/Similkameen region.
The concept was even simpler. Three charitable organizations would make a presentation to the group about the work they do and the communities they support. The 100 Men members would vote for the charity of their choice and then each member would donate $100, with 80 per cent going to the charity with the most votes and 10 per cent going to each of the others.
Besides giving financial support, it’s a chance for members of 100 Men to learn about the many charitable organizations that may not get a lot of attention. The group has met four times – in June, September, January and April – with three different charities each time.
After one year, the local 100 Men group has grown to 83 members, who have donated $22,200 to twelve local charities serving Penticton, Keremeos, Oliver/Osoyoos, and the surrounding areas.
But membership is not limited to 100 participants. The more who join, the more financial support the charities will receive. In these times when more members of society need assistance and when not-for-profit charities often struggle to meet their mandate, the 100 Men Who Care provides an innovative and direct opportunity to help.
On June 14 the group meets at the Penticton fire hall, 250 Nanaimo Ave. W. to celebrate the first anniversary of giving, starting at 5 p.m. Penticton Search and Rescue is hosting a barbecue and the Barley Mill Brew Pub & Bistro is providing food and refreshments.
Anyone who is interested can register as a member on the 100 Men Who Care website at www.100menpenticton.com or if you want to connect directly with one of the coordinators please email info@100menpenticton.com. Any women who might be interested in a similar organization, 100 Women Who Care, can connect with them through the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan under Programs at cfso.net.