A two-month-long fundraising campaign in support of the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre reaches its climax this Saturday, Dec. 2, at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton.
The centre’s 44th Share a Smile Telethon returns to cap off over a month of fundraising, with live entertainment, holiday-themed kids’ activity booths and photos with Santa to headline the celebration.
People were invited to start donating to the cause in October, hence why the name of this year’s event is called the Share a Smile Fall Fundraising Campaign. Businesses and community groups across the region were eager to get involved right away, according to OSNS.
The campaign raised more than $100,000 in 2022 and supports the OSNS’ programs for children with developmental challenges in the South Okanagan.
This weekend’s event will celebrate the fundraising campaign, which has also included people asking for donations through phone panels with friends and family over a one-hour period.
Hosted by Chad Mielke and later shown on local TV, the end of the Share a Smile Fall Fundraising Campaign is expected to welcome both OSNS families and clinicians.
The event will run from 1 to 3 p.m. According to OSNS, South Okanagan-West Kootenay MP Richard Cannings, Penticton MLA Dan Ashton and Mayor Julius Bloomfield will be making appearances.
People can still donate ahead of Saturday’s event by visiting osns.org, calling the centre at 250-492-0295 or stopping by and making a donation in person at 103-550 Carmi Ave in Penticton.
READ MORE: Plenty of ways to support OSNS child centre’s huge fundraiser in Penticton