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Socks, pyjamas, and perfume among items on Christmas wish list for Vernon’s homeless

VERNON - Vernon is once again helping to make Christmas wishes come true for the city’s less fortunate. The Christmas Wish List is a collection of personal stories and wish lists from Vernon’s homeless and shelter clients. Participants are interviewed about themselves, and the gifts that would make their Christmases brighter. The responses are then...

The free-for-all of ‘dog rescuing’ and why so much falls through the cracks

“IT’S LIKE THE WILD WEST” VERNON - The words ‘dog rescue’ may have a ring of nobility to them, but according to animal welfare advocates, many home-based operations aren’t what you think. Kim Faulkes, an Ottawa-based animal advocate, says there are no standards in place to ensure so-called ‘dog rescues’ operate ethically. “It’s a free-for-all....

How you can help make the holidays a bit nicer for the Kamloops women living in shelters

KAMLOOPS - If you’re looking to give something back to the community this holiday season, consider taking part in the Shoebox Project to help a local woman feel special. Monique Bastemeijer is leading the Kamloops chapter of the nation-wide gift program, which assists women with lesser means feel pampered. Bastemeijer says the charity has already received...

Vernon homeless camp growing after motel evictions

VERNON - A Vernon homeless camp has grown in the days following an eviction order at the Green Valley Motel, according to shelter workers. Tenants had to be out of the motel by Sept. 1, and while a small number sought lodging at the Gateway Shelter, it appears others have turned to the street, John...

Plan in place to support people evicted from Vernon motel

VERNON - Local organizations have a plan in place to support people evicted from the Green Valley Motel. Tenants must be out of the building by the end of the day today, Aug. 31, and Annette Sharkey from the Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan says local organizations, primarily the John Howard Society, are...

Concern for homeless community heightens as temperatures rise

VERNON - While the hot weather forecast has many of us planning fun ways to beat the heat, members of the homeless population are thinking about something else entirely: survival. Imagine heading into 40 Celsius weather with no air conditioning, no hat or sunscreen, and no water. That’s the situation Vernon’s Cammy LaFleur Street Outreach...

Inn from the Cold won’t have to close early

KELOWNA – Inn from the Cold will not have to close early, thanks to a funding boost from the province. The temporary winter shelter recently announced it would be closing due to a lack of operating funds. On Friday the provincial government stepped up with a one-time funding of $22,000, which will allow the shelter...

Shipping cats to make room at Kelowna shelter

KELOWNA – The B.C. SPCA in Kelowna has so many cats, staff loaded them into a van and drove them to another shelter in Victoria in hopes of adopting them. With over 100 cats looking for a home at the Kelowna shelter, the SPCA Drive for Lives program transported 21 felines on Thursday. “As soon...

An Armstrong resident invited a homeless man back home for a shower, meal, and shelter

HERE'S WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY  VERNON - A stabbing incident in Armstrong could have been prevented if the assailant had been connected with appropriate support services, according to Vernon’s homeless shelter. Police say the assault happened when a Spallumcheen resident invited a homeless man to his house for a hot shower, a meal,...