How would you like to bring cheer to others in need, even if you’ve never met them? Charities and non-profits have been hit doubly hard this year, facing extra demand as well as fewer fundraising opportunities.
Let’s show others within the community how much we care. Here are 10 ways you can give back and spread some joy this holiday season.
‘Penticton Provides’ Donations Stay in the Community
Pen High has a new community fundraising campaign this year 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, says Vice Principal Bo Boxwell. Multiple locations will be set up throughout the community where people can drop off food and toys, including outside various schools and grocery stores. An option to donate online is also being created.
Help 'Shine the Light on Addiction'
Discovery House’s fundraiser aims to Shine the Light on Addiction and remember those we've lost in this unprecedented year. Money will go toward a down payment on a new property that will help the organization increase bed spaces from 17 to 25. Donations can be made through their CanadaHelps.org fundraising page.
Support those Dealing with Life's Losses
The South Okanagan Loss Society is a newer charity organization in Penticton providing free loss and grief support. The group is raising funding toward creating a future Bereavement Centre. Find out more about the organization and make your donations on their Canada Helps page.
Help Sponsor a Local Family or Senior in Need
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 for people in their family. Find out more about OneSky’s 18th Annual Holiday Give campaign.
Purchase 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 the senior before Christmas as part of its Stocking Stuffers for Seniors campaign.
Support Single Women, Youth and Local Families
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. Visit their website for a list of gift ideas.
“Adopt a Family” through the Salvation Army
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 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.
Support Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
A local non-profit is raising funding 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 percent 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 and visit the company’s website.
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.
Cash Donations Can Go a Long Way
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 Similkameen branch
- Foundry Penticton
- Ooknakane Friendship Centre
- Pathways Addiction Society
- Penticton Soupateria
- Penticton Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts
- Penticton Art Gallery
- South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services
- South Okanagan Silmilkameen Mental Wellness Centre
- Starfish Pack
- United Way
Don’t Forget our Four-Legged Friends
Here are a few charities that seek donations to help provide care for animals throughout our community.
Did we miss your favourite charity? Tell us about it and we’ll add it to our list! Email economicdevelopment@penticton.ca. Thank you for supporting local.