By Benita Baerg, Special to Times-Chronicle
It’s like a marathon horse race: with just a few strides to go, the crowd wonders – can they do it?
With just one week to go in its Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser, Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre has raised about $12,000 of its $35,000 community fundraising goal. The $35,000, combined with a $25,000 donation match from a generous community sponsor, will total the $60,000 Desert Sun needs to keep critical but underfunded programs running in Oliver, Osoyoos and OK Falls. But, can they reach their goal?
“We know we’re asking a lot, and we’re asking at a time when many people are stretched thin,” says Marieze Tarr, Desert Sun’s executive director. “But our communities are full of amazing, supportive, community-minded people who step up in beautiful ways. We don’t have many days left to reach our goal, but I’m really hopeful we can get the funding we need to keep our programs running strongly for 2022.”
The Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser, running Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, is an umbrella fundraiser that hopes to fund multiple Desert Sun programs, including Desert Sun’s Safe Home program for women escaping violence, its men’s counselling program, its Early Years program for parents and young kids aged 0-6, and more.
Donors can choose a specific program to direct their funds towards or can ask Desert Sun to put it towards the area of highest need. All dollars stay right here in the South Okanagan, helping meet the grassroots needs of our communities.
In addition to committing money, another great way to support Desert Sun is by supporting local businesses that are helping Desert Sun raise dollars. As of publication, several generous businesses had already committed to partnering:
Oliver and Osoyoos Physiotherapy and Active Living is currently offering massage therapy gift certificates, with 50 per cent of the value of sales going to the Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser. Lake Village Bakery donated 15 per cent of all sales from Dec. 1-4. Su Casa will be donating a portion of proceeds from their cinnamon bun sales to the fundraiser. Asher Meditation is donating proceeds from meditation classes. And Wild Daisy yoga is collecting donations and gift items for Desert Sun’s Share the Spirit gift hampers for families in need.
The Oliver Bargain Centre is hosting its’ annual ‘Fill the Sleigh Day’ toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 11. Stop in for hot chocolate and Christmas carols and do your Christmas shopping too with 10 per cent of the value of all sales on Dec. 11 will be donated to Desert Sun’s Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser. And, the Bargain Centre will be accepting toy and cash donations all week to help fill Desert Sun’s Share the Spirit gift hampers.
Desert Sun welcomes the support of any additional businesses that might want to lend support for the Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser.
Those wanting to support Desert Sun have lots of options. Etransfer to [email protected], mail to PO Box 1890, Oliver BC, V0H1T0, or drop off at the Desert Sun office in either Oliver or Osoyoos.
This Christmas season, choose to be part of helping make our communities better. Help Desert Sun help others – $35,000 is in sight: let’s make it happen.
