On this Giving Tuesday, let’s give even more generously to local charities and non-profits that have been hit doubly hard this year.
The pandemic has not allowed charities to fundraise in the traditional ways, it has limited volunteer participation and it has also taken a financial toll with fewer donations coming in.
Start Here Okanagan has come up with a list of organizations within our community worthy of our support. These charities give so much and contribute tirelessly to making a difference. Now it’s our turn to give back.
Penticton Provides
Pen High and Maggie Secondary have a new community fundraising campaign called Penticton Provides, which aims to collect 1,000 gifts, 10,000 food items and $20,000 funding. Everything that is donated will stay in our community. Multiple locations will be set up throughout the community where people can drop off food and toys, including outside various schools and grocery stores.
OneSky - Sponsor a family or senior
Help OneSky raise donations to sponsor a family or senior in need in the community. They will be supplying families with gift cards so they can purchase groceries and gifts. Find out more about OneSky’s 18th Annual Holiday Give campaign at oneskycommunity.com.
London Drugs Stocking stuffers for seniors
London Drugs has partnered with local care homes and charities to bring more holiday cheer to seniors. Simply select a gift tag on the Christmas tree at our local London Drugs, purchase the items on the wish list, and bring your unwrapped items to the service centre. Your gift will be delivered to seniors before Christmas as part of its Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign.
Make Christmas special for single moms, kids
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society is requesting donations to build hampers, backpacks and gifts for single women, youth and local families in need. You can become a hamper sponsor or donate a new unwrapped gift. Time Winery will be taking donations all day on Dec. 5.
Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family
The Salvation Army Penticton is holding an Adopt a Family campaign to bring hope and cheer to families in need. Visit their website to fill out a registration form.
The Christmas Kettle campaign is also taking place this year throughout the community. PPE will be provided to volunteers and all sanitation materials provided. If you would like to help out as a volunteer, please contact the Salvation Army. If you would prefer to donate online, you can visit FilltheKettle.com or phone at 1-800-725-2769.
While cash donations are preferred right now in Penticton, food items are also appreciated. Most needed items include canned fish and meats, lentils, granola bars, Stove Top stuffing, rice, peanut butter and pasta.
Support small businesses affected by COVID-19
A local non-profit is raising funds to provide micro grants to help small businesses affected by the pandemic. By purchasing a locally made tote bag, which carries the words: “This Bag Helped a Small Business,” 100 per cent of the profits are put into micro-loans for small businesses. In fact, Busy Beans Play Cafe was their first recipient. Read this Penticton Western News article for more info go to thisbaghelps.ca.
Help fund a new CT scanner for Penticton Regional Hospital
The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation is raising funds through its 2020 Tree of Dreams campaign to purchase a second CT scanner for Penticton Regional Hospital. They are $500,000 short of their goal of $3 million to purchase new medical equipment. For more information, visit the SOS Medical Foundation website.
Support community arts programming
Support arts programming by donating to the Penticton & District Community Arts Council. Their Arts Matter Holiday Fundraiser will help provide free creative opportunities within the community, support local artists throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and help provide high school bursaries.
Cash donations can go a long way too
Here are some other local non-profits and initiatives to consider cash donations this holiday season.
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
Canadian Mental Health Association South Okanagan Simlkameen branch
Foundry Penticton
Ooknakane Friendship Centre
Penticton Soupateria
South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services
South Okanagan Silmilkameen Mental Wellness Centre
Starfish Pack
United Way
READ MORE: Discovery House sheds light on addiction with fundraiser
monique.Tamminga@pentictonwesternnews.com
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