The Okanagan Portuguese Club has once again made a plea for help in order to continue serving the community of Oliver.
President Bill Pascoa addressed the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society on January 20 seeking some relief from its financial burdens. (The club has a $1,500 a year lease through the Town/Parks and Recreation.)
Pascoa said the club has done a lot for the community since it began in 1980. For example, the Portuguese community hand-wove quilts that every hospital in BC received. It donated $1,000 to the Penticton Regional Hospital, and $2,500 to Sunnybank Centre.
In addition, the club sponsors minor sports and has established two bursaries for high school graduates.
The club also participates in Festival of the Grape and is very committed to multiculturalism, Pascoa said.
In the early days, the club had as many as 130 members, but that number has dropped to 30, he pointed out. He said this was due to demographics, lack of employment, mortality, and children moving out of the community.
“We’re at a crossroads with the club. It’s becoming unsustainable. We’re holding luncheons every month just to pay our bills,” Pascoa said.
He noted the club even has a tough time getting six members to join the board.
“If we don’t get help, come March, I’m sad to say that we will probably fold.”
Pascoa said the club will be hosting its annual Valentine’s Day dance.
He noted that anyone is welcome to join the club and attend its functions.
The society discussed whether it could offer the club some form of financial relief. Members decided to come back with a proposal.
Board member Tamela Edwards said it would be a “tragic” situation if the club had to close.
