The Penticton Vees Junior Hockey Club is partnering with various local groups this holiday season, to help give back to our community.
The “Season of Giving” kicks-off next Wednesday, November 29th, when the Vees host the Trail Smoke Eaters. It’s RE/MAX Coats for Kids night, in support of the BGC Okanagan and SOWINS. Wednesday, RE/MAX will be on hand to accept donations of new or gently used children’s coats, snow pants, toques, gloves, and boots. All month, RE/MAX office is Penticton, Summerland, and Osoyoos have been accepting donations. Any fan who donates at the game on Wednesday will be entered for a chance to win a team-signed Penticton Vees jersey.
The Vees annual Teddy & Toque Toss, in support of the Salvation Army, is set for Saturday, December 9th, against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks; puck drop is 6:00 pm. Bannister Chevrolet Penticton is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Teddy & Toque Toss.
The Vees encourage fans to bring warm winter outerwear along with new or gently used stuffed toys to throw onto the ice when the Vees score their first goal. The Salvation Army has seen a significant increase in families relying on the food bank this year, and Alan Madsen, Salvation Army Community Ministries Director, urges the importance of monetary donations.
The Salvation Army is a main hub for 17 local groups such as Purple Pantry, SOWINS, Penticton Soupateria, Mama’s to Mama’s, and various churches. The Salvation Army will have a Christmas kettle with touchless giving technology, allowing fans to “tap to give” at the game on December 9th. There will also be a bin for non-perishable food donations at the top of Gate 1.
The Vees are also supporting several season fundraising campaigns during the holiday season.
Bethel Church is hosting their second annual Shop of Wonders at the S.S. Sicamous on December 8th. The Shop of Wonders is a pop-up toy shop for local families who need help making Christmas special.
Their target this year is to help 130 local families, which would support 300 children. The goal is provide every child three stocking stuffers, two “elf” gifts (medium-size gift), and one “Santa” gift. Donations can be dropped off at Garden Works and Home Hardware. The Vees will be donating an allotment of stuffed toys from their Teddy & Toque Toss game to Shop of Wonders.
OSNS Child & Youth Development Centre has their Share a Smile Fall Campaign ongoing, with their one-day telethon event set for December 2nd, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, at the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. Come down to enjoy the stories of OSNS, local talent, kids’ activity booths, photos with Santa and more. There also is an online 50/50 and you can purchase your ticket at www.osns.org. Proceeds benefit children with development challenges across the South Okanagan Similkameen.