A Penticton resident took home a brand new Harley Davidson at the Peach City Beach Cruise on June 23.
The prize was part of the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre annual motorcycle raffle which sold over $60,000 in ticket sales for the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe Chrome bike this year.
Just before the awards ceremony at the Peach City Beach Cruise, mayor John Vassilaki pulled the winning ticket that belonged to Kevin Felts.
“I’m overwhelmed and in shock. You buy the tickets to support charity, not expecting to win,” said Felts, who bought three tickets for the raffle in February at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.
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Although partially funded by the B.C. government, the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre relies heavily on its own fundraising efforts to keep the building, equipment and treatment tools up-to-date, according to the centre’s press release.
Ticket sales for the raffle began in December just before Christmas at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.
Over the six months, members of the Okanagan Motorcycle Riders Association (OMRA), who partner with OSNS to run the fundraiser, spent weekends bringing the bike to various venues throughout the Okanagan to sell tickets.
“We could not run this fundraiser without the generous help of OMRA. This group is essential in making this fundraiser happen” said Meg Dimma, community engagement coordinator.
Since 1978, OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre has provided local families a comforting place to go when their child is struggling. It has also been dedicated to supporting children, youth and families in the South Okanagan Similkameen through early intervention and family-centered care.
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“OSNS saw over 1600 children last year. Many of the families who come to us are reeling from receiving a diagnosis for their child, others are looking for a push to help their child over a smaller hurdle and still others want information and education to help their children reach their potential. OSNS strives to give all families what they need in an integrated and inspiring environment. And we couldn’t do this without the generosity of our community. Every person who bought a ticket has helped us move children closer to success. We are very grateful.”
OSNS offers services and programs, including clinical therapy, family support, and child care services. The team of professionals recognizes that each person requires individual needs. The staff is leaders in supporting young people with developmental and behaviour needs, according to the media release.
More than 1,600 children from Penticton and surrounding areas visit the OSNS annually, the release states.