Gerry and Kathy Ryan, owners of a vineyard in Summerland, are challenging other area grape growers to support Penticton Regional Hospital or South Okanagan General Hospital.

The Ryans, who planted their seven-acre vineyard overlooking Okanagan Lake eight years ago, have donated $5,000 to the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation in support of its annual Tree of Dreams fundraising campaign.  They’re asking other grape growers to match that amount.

Gerry said since most grape growers get paid for their crop in December, this is a good time to issue the challenge.

“Usually it’s this time of year when most of the vineyards are being paid for the crop they’ve sold to the wineries,” he said. “The vineyard and wine industry is a major employer and source of commerce in the Okanagan Similkameen.”

The Ryans both have direct connections to PRH.  Gerry is the past-chair on the SOS Medical Foundation’s board and has been a director for 12 years.  Kathy works as a volunteer at the SOS Café in the lobby of the hospital’s new David E. Kampe Tower.

“We think the Medical Foundation is a worthwhile charity for us to support.  The hospital serves us all – everybody benefits from having the best healthcare available,” Gerry said.

Kathy noted she has learned some new skills, including being a barista, at the SOS Café which directs its profits to the hospital through the SOS Medical Foundation.

“I’ve never made a latte before – and even handling cash was never something I’ve ever done before.  It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

Carey Bornn, the foundation’s Executive Director, said any additional support from grape growers would be a welcome addition to the Tree of Dreams campaign.

This year, all donations from Oliver and Osoyoos area residents will go towards the $1.25-million upgrade to the Emergency Department at South Okanagan General Hospital.  The SOS Medical Foundation is raising $280,000 to fund additional features not included in the project’s original plans.  Construction is now nearing completion.

To donate, contact the SOS Medical Foundation at 250-492-9027 or visit their website Sosmedicalfoundation.com.