Gerry and Kathy Ryan, owners of a vineyard in Summerland, are challenging other grape growers in the region to support the Penticton Regional Hospital.
The Ryans planted a 2.8-hectare vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake eight years ago.
This year, they have donated $5,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation in support of its annual Tree of Dreams fundraising campaign. They are asking other grape growers to match that amount.
Gerry said since most grape growers get paid for their crop in December, this is a good time to issue the challenge.
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ѻýUsually itѻýs this time of year when most of the vineyards are being paid for the crop theyѻýve sold to the wineries,ѻý he said. ѻýThe vineyard and wine industry is a major employer and source of commerce in the Okanagan Similkameen.ѻý
The Ryans have direct connections to the hospital. Gerry is the past-chair on the SOS Medical Foundationѻýs board and has been a director for 12 years. Kathy works as a volunteer at the SOS Café in the lobby of the hospitalѻýs new David E. Kampe Tower.
ѻýWe think the Medical Foundation is a worthwhile charity for us to support. The hospital serves us all ѻý everybody benefits from having the best healthcare available,ѻý Gerry said.
Kathy said she has learned some new skills, including being a barista, at the SOS Café which directs its profits to the hospital through the medical foundation.
ѻýIѻýve never made a latte before ѻý and even handling cash was never something Iѻýve ever done before. Itѻýs a lot of fun,ѻý she said.
Carey Bornn, the foundationѻýs executive director, said any additional support from grape growers would be a welcome addition to the Tree of Dreams campaign.
This yearѻýs goal of $925,000 will be used to fund a second specialized hip surgery table, new mammography machine, EEG (electroencephalogram) unit and new colonoscopy scopes at the hospital.
To donate, contact the medical foundation at 250-492-9027 or visit their website at .
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