SENIORS NEED HOUSING HELP

Seniors Outreach is running a 50/50 raffle to raise funds for seniors in need of housing help in Kelowna.

As the housing market continues to rise, seniors with fixed incomes are struggling to pay their rent. According to reports, Kelowna is the third most expensive city in Canada in terms of rent prices. Castanet data shows a one-bedroom is now renting for $1,500 in the Central Okanagan.

Seniors Outreach executive director Vi Sorenson says finding a new place to live is stressful for anyone, but even more so for the elderly.

“Picture someone who is in their eighties who may have dementia or Alzheimer’s trying to call ads and have conversations with landlords,” said Sorenson. “It creates a lot of anxiety and confusion. These vulnerable people are struggling as they find themselves on the verge of experiencing homelessness.”

2021 saw the lowest vacancy rate since 2017, yet rental rates were up nearly five per cent. This indicates there is more demand for rental units than what’s currently available.

According to Seniors Outreach, rent in Kelowna can be more than the Canadian Pension Plan pays – an average of $779 per month.

Funds generated in the raffle will help Seniors Outreach fund their companion housing program, run their housing directory, and to employ a social worker. The worker will help clients navigate the system and sorts through housing options such as affordable or low-income housing, assistive living, supportive housing, and long-term care.

You can purchase tickets for the raffle and get more details here.

West Kelowna Warriors bring back Community Night to support local restaurants and the food bank

 

Eating out for charity

The West Kelowna Warriors are teaming up with Valley First Credit Union for the 2nd annual Community Night.

Introduced last year, Community Night is a way for residents to show their support for local restaurants while at the same time helping those struggling during these difficult times through the Central Okanagan.

The promotion is scheduled to run May 20 at a dozen participating restaurants from 4 p.m. until closing time.

During that time, with all orders of $30 or more, the Warriors and Valley First Credit Union will donate $10 to the food bank.

“As we continue to see a rise in community members accessing the food bank, a 23% increase since January 2021, we are incredibly grateful for the support of the West Kelowna Community and to the West Kelowna Warriors, Valley First and local restaurants for hosting their second annual fundraiser, ” says Trevor Moss CEO of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

“It is because of you and events like these we are able to meet the rising need and provide healthy food during this difficult time for many.”

Last year, 678 orders were placed with local restaurants, equating to a donation of $6,780.

“We are thrilled to be delivering another Community Night. It was a massive success last year and helped so many West Kelowna residents during a challenging time,” said Warriors president Chris Laurie.

“We are grateful to have Valley First team up with us this year to help with the donations. They have an ongoing Feed the Valley program, so they are a fantastic fit for this initiative. Please do your part and eat-out Thursday night. Let’s give these twelve local restaurants a night to remember!”.

Participating restaurants include:

  • Lakesider Brewing Co
  • WINGS Tap & Grill
  • Original Joe’s
  • C Lovers
  • Bamboo Chopsticks
  • Kelly O’Bryan’s West Kelowna
  • Murray’s Pizza
  • Old Vines Restaurant
  • Kaiso West Kelowna
  • Pizza Moreh
  • Il Mercato Social Kitchen
  • Gasthaus on the Lake

Vees Annual Teddy Bear Toss

Vees Annual Teddy Bear Toss - Dan JonesDetails:

Seating Map:
Date: December 6
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tickets go on sale:
Doors Open: 6:00 pm
Ticket Prices: Adults – $14.00* | Seniors – $12.00* | Students/Children (18 and under) – FREE courtesy of Peters Bros Construction**
https://ev6.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=VEES&linkID=global-penticton&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=&RSRC=WEB_VEN&RDAT=SCROLL

Organizer: Penticton Vees

Website:: pentictonvees.ca

 

The Penticton Vees will host the West Kelowna Warriors for the Annual TEDDY BEAR TOSS on Friday, December 6th at 7:00PM, presented by Telus.

This year, Teddy Bear Toss is expanding to include pyjamas, toques, scarves, mittens, diapers and other soft items – Anything to help families in need this chilly holiday season. When the Vees score their first goal of the game, toss your items on the ice!

Telus and Petsmart will be on site selling pyjamas and teddy bears for those who weren’t able to pick something up before the game.

Please be sure that all items are soft, lightweight and don’t contain hard parts that could harm the players on the ice at the time of the toss. Clothing and stuffed animals can be new or gently used. All items will be collected by the local Salvation Army branch and delivered to families within the South Okanagan.

*Additional fees apply online.
**Does not apply to premium seating. All fans under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied by a parent/guardian are asked to enter the SOEC through Gate 1 and to present photo identification upon picking up a ticket to the game as well as arriving the day of.

Game tickets can be purchased in person at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC) or online at ValleyFirstTix.com.