The ongoing popularity of the Kiwanis Market in Oliver has resulted in a $50,000 boost to Penticton Regional Hospital.
The Oliver Kiwanis Club made the donation to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20-million campaign to provide medical equipment for the $325-million PRH expansion.
Club president Lee Chic said the proceeds come from the Kiwanis Market which operates out of a 10,000 square foot building on Sawmill Road.
“Virtually 100 per cent of our fundraising is done through that market,” she said. “We spend many hours working at the market. We have drivers and two trucks and we can run out and pick things up from people who want to donate but don’t have the capability to deliver them.”
Chic is quick to credit those who donate items to the market.
“Really, it’s the entire town that has donated that money because if the donations didn’t come to us, we couldn’t sell them and raise the money.”
Area residents donate used items, including furniture, appliances, hardware and other items which are priced and sorted. The market is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Some people refer to it as the Oliver Wal-Mart,” she said with a laugh. “We have a kitchen area which is huge, we have large appliances, we have beds, music, books, crafts, art, paintings — you name it. It’s all organized into different departments and every single thing is donated.”
Chic said the 45 Kiwanis members thoroughly supported the donation to the Foundation, having put aside funds annually for the past few years.
“We’ve been setting aside about $10,000 a year,” she said. “Then we thought we’ll just do it now because we’re ready.”
Chic noted most South Okanagan residents realize PRH is there to service the entire region’s acute care needs. The hospital donation will not detract from other local charities that Kiwanis supports, she added.
Chic also lauded Janice Perrino, the Medical Foundation’s executive-director, for her emotional reaction when presented with the club’s recent presentation of the first $30,000 towards their donation.
“When you look at the need for $20 million and someone hands you a cheque for $30,000, which pales against $20-million, and she got all teary-eyed — it matters to her,” Chic said.
Construction of the new Patient Care Tower at PRH is set to start this spring.