Fundraising launch: Habitat for Humanity, Vernon

Pictured from left (with pink shirt) going clockwise:  Karin O’Brian, Beth Marks, Kathy Szoboticsanec (pronounced: so bo tea cha nets), Cheryl Kaminsky, Sareena Sharma Nickoli, Glory Westwell (Chair of Habitat for Humanity Vernon Committee), Charlene Silverster.

Lend a hand to buy the land!

Fundraising launch:  Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter

 What, you ask, is needed to launch Habitat for Humanity into perpetual motion in Vernon and the North Okanagan?  Good question!  And the answer?

 

The land to build on!

Vernon’s local chapter has willing builders, architects and enthusiasm for a project but it all hinges upon a suitable lot being purchased.  We are all acutely aware of the need for safe, decent, affordable housing for working families and Habitat has proven all over the world that they have the right formula for home ownership.  Without affordable homes our young, working families have to relocate leaving an unbalanced demographic in our communities.  We need our young families to be able to live and flourish in the North Okanagan!

Enter the “Habitat Champions” an ad hoc group of great women who accepted the land challenge with gusto!  Sareena Sharma Nickoli, Karin O’Brian, Charlene Silvester, Kathy Szoboticsanec (pronounced: so bo tea cha nets), Cheryl Kaminsky and Beth Marks have made a fundraising commitment and will work closely with Glory Westwell and the local and great Habitat for Humanity Committee.

Our goal:  300,000!  We know this will be the cost of a lot which will allow for more than one home – a 4-plex would be great.  Habitat wisely does not go into debt so once we have the land all other facets will come into force and the build will begin.

 

Here is the beauty…once the first build happens it becomes the seed of the next land purchase and the next build….Kelowna has done 18 projects benefitting 75 people to date!  No reason why our North Okanagan Communities cannot do the same.  (Habitat locally was able to have one unit built as part of a wonderful collaboration, “Under on Roof.”)  Now, with an independent Habitat build we can see Habitat in perpetual motion in our communities!

So, please lend a hand to buy the land!!  All of our efforts are completely on a volunteer basis and any donations above 20.00 will receive a tax receipt.

We anticipate that businesses that rely on employees who fit the criteria of a Habitat home owner will be especially keen to come on board with donations and sponsorships!

On line, www.vernonhabitat.com note your donation is for this land project.  By cheque please note also it is for land purchase and either drop at Charlene Silvester’s Notary Public office on 30^th Ave in Vernon or mail to: 

Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter

Box 1703 Stn Main
Vernon, BC V1T 8C3

Follow us on facebook!  Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter: Lend a hand to buy the land.

 

Job Opportunities at Okanagan Woman Magazine

We are looking for two bright, dynamic, creative and motivated individuals to promote our highly successful publication, Okanagan Woman, to businesses in the North, Central and South Okanagan

These positions are full time, but can be part-time for the right individuals.

What we offer:

·         A base salary plus commission. Excellent earning potential
·         Flexible schedule, relaxed office environment
·         Administrative support to help you succeed
·         Pep talks, pats on the back and kicks in the pants

What we need from you:

·         Strong sales and presentation skills
·         Fearless at cold-calling. Results oriented
·          Relentless drive to prospect for new business
·         Strong work ethic and positive attitude
·         Patience to prospect on a regular basis and ability to work independently
·         Excellent business to business telephone communication skills
·         Very adept at communicating via emails and utilizing CRM systems for follow ups
·         Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel
·         Knowledge and interest in social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
·         Develop new business opportunities and negotiate contracts
·         Assist clients to develop highly effective advertising programs
·         Must have a home computer, cell phone, valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and a sense of humour.

Forward your resume and cover letter to: info@okanaganwoman.com

 

"Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak" at Asparagus Community Theatre in Armstrong

Asparagus Community Theatre proudly  presents our Spring production of Norm Foster"s  "Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak"

This is an adult comedy about a small town struggling in economic times.  A potential developer plans a visit to the town which coincides with their May Long weekend Tomato Festival.  Catherine, the mayor (played by Laurisa Defehr),  tries to be creative.  With the help of other citizens  Tom (played by Rory White) and Orson, (played by Mark Trussell) they have an old TV cowboy legend, Ned Durango (played by Kim Sinclair) marshal their parade in hopes of drawing in a large crowd and impressing the developer. Kay (played by Shaleen Toney) Orson's daughter who is visiting, also jumps into the cause.   

Show times are Wednesday March 6th-9th.  Wednesday March 13th-16th.  All show times 8pm with an additional matinee on Saturday the 16th at 2pm at Centennial Hall.  Ticket prices are 15.00 for adults and 12.50 for students/seniors.  There is no child's rate for this show.

Tickets are available for sale in February  at The Guy Next Door 3450A Okanagan Street.  Store hours are  9am-4pm.  For reservations please call  250-546-0950 or email us at mandyjpenner@gmail.com

Visit www.facebook.comAsparagusCommunityTheatre for updates

New Labelling Information for all Botulinum Toxin Products: Botox/Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin/Xeomin Cosmetic and Myobloc

In order to help prevent medication errors with the use of botulinum toxin products currently available on the Canadian market, Health Canada will be requesting that all manufacturers of these products revise their product labels to reflect that each product has its own individual potency and as such, is not interchangeable with other botulinum products.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2013/2013_07-eng.php

Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘N Play Sleeper Advisory

Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘N Play Sleeper Advisory: Mould can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper. The advisory affects Model R6070, which was the only model sold in Canada. While mould is not present when the product is purchased, it can grow when the product remains wet or moist, or is cleaned infrequently, exposing infants sleeping in the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper to mould.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2013/2013_06-eng.php

South Okanagan Women in Need and Shoppers Drug Mart Raise Essential Funds for Women Through Tree of Life Campaign

With the combined efforts of Shoppers Drug Mart, its employees and customers, South Okanagan women experiencing or at risk of violence or abuse will have some much needed support for programs that assist them to seek safety and change in their lives.

Shoppers Drug Mart Tree of Life fundraising campaign was spearheaded by Penticton Shoppers Drug Mart Cashier Supervisor Stephanie Lerner and it harvested more than $4500 to support programs for clients of South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS).

The 4 week campaign was the tenth annual and SOWINS is very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Stephanie, her fellow employees and Penticton’s Shoppers store owner Shannon Crawford. The South Okanagan campaign which included participation from stores in other cities such as Summerland was one of over 1200 run across the country.

“The success of the 2012 tree of life campaign can be attributed to the support and commitment of our loyal customers and staff” said Shannon. “We are very pleased to present this year’s proceeds to SOWINS, and were thrilled when we let donors know who the recipient organization was, that any questions they had melted away and they decided easily to make a contribution”.

When asked how the campaign exceeded the initial $3000 goal, Stephanie commented “We really got into the spirit of it this year. We can be quite competitive when it comes to this kind of thing.”

On behalf of our clients, SOWINS director Maimie DeSilva who received the cheque last week, deeply thanks Stephanie and Shannon for their leadership, and each person and business for their donation to the success of this campaign. “It is truly heartwarming to receive this expression of care, consideration and generosity.” Said Maimie.

SOWINS calls for Volunteers

The South Okanagan Women in Need Society
Women Front and Centre Gala

SOWINS would like to invite you to volunteer with us for our 8th Annual Women Front & Center Gala & Awards. The Gala is fast approaching and we would like to extend the opportunity to our SOWINS' supporters to join with us towards making the 2013 Gala the best one yet!  

Last year's Gala was a major fundraising event for our programs and services which in turn supported our clients; women and their children who have experienced abuse or at risk of abuse.   

Our Gala team needs a little extra help with approaches for donations, silent/live auction item, and raffle items.  If you have a few spare hours and would like to help out please contact Bethany at 250-493-4366 ext 105 or volcoord@sowins.com and she can put you in contact with a Gala team member.

** Please visit Okanagan Woman's main website at www.okanaganwoman.com to see the current and back issues, plus exclusive web content.