The Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) are hosting the 22nd Annual Mainly for Women Trade Show on Feb. 21 at the Oliver Community Centre. More than 50 vendors will be on hand for the popular trade show.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
More than 50 vendors will display their wares at Oliver Community Centre on Feb. 21
Spring is coming, and to celebrate that the Women of Oliver for Women (WOW) are hosting the 22nd annual “Mainly for Women” Trade Show on February 21.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m the Oliver Community Centre will be packed with more than 50 vendors displaying their wares.
Although mainly for women, men are more than welcome and need not fear being frog-marched out the door by a group of stern females.
“Men are invited to be vendors and guests to the show. The variety of displays allows for interest for all men, women and children,” said show convener Sally Franks.
WOW is a group of dedicated ladies who formed a non-profit service club with the mandate “to make a difference by enriching the lives of women and children in the community and beyond.”
The trade show began in 1993 as a fundraiser for the club under the name of Soroptimists, an International organization. The ladies formed WOW in 2004 to ensure that all of the monies raised stayed in the community.
Franks said the show is called “Mainly for Women” because the funds raised go to help women in different circumstances. For example, Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre is one of the main recipients.
WOW also provides funding for a woman who has had to go back to work to support her family; these monies could be in the form of a bursary, funding for transportation, or fees for education.
Trade show displays cover everything from beautifully handcrafted jewelry to pottery, wood crafts, fibre art, health products, wellness, investments, real estate, and food products.
Several new vendors will be showing their wares this year, and most items will be for sale.
The displays come from all over the Okangan Valley, and as far away as Grand Forks.
“The event is a great way to herald the coming of spring,” Franks said. “It is time to get out into the community and enjoy the show.”
The show will also have lunch and goodies provided by the Oliver Bakery.
The admission is free and there are awesome door prizes with a small donation.
Franks said the WOW ladies will be dressed in royal blue vests. She invites the public to take the time to speak to them and ask questions concerning the group and its accomplishments.
Other projects that WOW are involved in are the food bank, children’s programs including Sun Fun, families in need, CPR course for the community, Desert Valley Hospice Society and park benches in strategic locations. They also provide services such as “Adopt a Highway” twice a year, Okanagan Gleaners, McKinney Place entrance gardens, and Oliver Senior Centre tea events.
The ladies meet the third Tuesday of every month from September to June.
Any woman interested in becoming a member can call Terry at 250-498-6420 or Sally at 250-498-0104.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
