Kal Rotary to distribute almost $200K to community groups

VERNON – The Kalamalka Rotary Club is donating almost $200,000 to over a dozen local and regional organizations following a recording-setting fundraising auction.

The Rotary Club of Kalamalka in Vernon has selected 14 organizations to take a cut of the $194,000 raised during their 2018 Dream Auction fundraiser.

Kalamalka Rotary is set to donate $45,000 to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre; while VJH Surgical Care for Life program will receive $30,000; Canadian Mental Health $25,000 and the Kindale Society $25,000 for the replacement of a stairway lift.

"We were overwhelmed by the success of last year’s Dream Auction," said Kal Rotary local donations director Brian Reid in a media release. "The increased amount of funds raised meant we could donate significant amounts to several local groups, amounts that will make a real difference in their operations."

The media release says JoeAnna's House, which provides accommodation for families at Kelowna General Hospital; as well as North Okanagan Optimists Club's Unplug and Play program and the North Okanagan Therapeutic Riding Association with all be recipients of the funds.

Kingfisher Interpretive Centre will receive funds to construct a traditional First Nations pit house, as will the Coldstream Scout's to help with their attendance at the Provincial Jamboree.

“Our members work diligently each fall to secure donations for Dream Auction and to host the event…so it’s always a rewarding task afterward to sort through all the worthy applications and give back to the community,” said club president Ryan Fairburn in the release.

“We are inspired by this community’s compassion and willingness to give,” he adds.

The club will announce its international recipients in the near future.

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