A regional organization helping women in need is hoping local generosity will pick up as its annual fundraiser is off to a slow start.
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS), in partnership with GO 97.1 and Summit Radio, are all set for the Have a Heart Radiothon at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton, Friday, May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. With a theme of A Day to Give, A Chance to Change Lives, SOWINS is hoping that the community comes together during this powerful day of compassion and gives the fundraiser a much-needed boost.
SOWINS launched the campaign on May 1 and is set to raise $50,000, with with the first $15,000 in donations being matched, but this year's fundraising is slower than usual, with less funds raised than at this time last year.
乌鸦传媒淭he need is growing and more demanding every year and costs are increasing every year," SOWINS executive director Liz Gomes said. 乌鸦传媒淟ike most families have felt the increase in costs, we feel it at our emergency housing transition house, second stage housing program and Mobile Outreach services.乌鸦传媒�
Gomes added that he funds are vital to continue to help women and children in need in our community, and although the organization is partially supported by government contracts, SOWINS faces an annual funding gap of over $500,000 to maintain life-saving services, such as emergency shelter, crisis counselling, victim support and sexual assault support services, mobile outreach, 24/7 crisis lines, and support for children and youth escaping violence across the South Okanagan.
The live broadcast event begins at 6 a.m. in front of Blenz Coffee, with a drive-through donation station set up from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. Complementary coffee and snacks will be available as a thank-you for donations.
NHL legend, four-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer will be in attendance at 3 p.m. for a meet and greet, and will provide 50 autographed photos to giveaway. There will also be an online silent auction, raffle and giveaways for exciting prizes, SOWINS merchandise, friendly staff and volunteers and a visit from Dexter the therapy rabbit as well.
Donations can also be made online at sowins.com or at the main office on Westminster Ave. All proceeds directly fund programs that provide essential support to women and children experiencing violence.
