With just one week to go in our Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser, we’ve raised just over $25,000 in generous donations from our community. Those dollars are being matched, once again, by an incredible $25,000 gift from an anonymous donor, bringing us to a total of $50,000 so far!

Can we hit our goal of $75,000 when our fundraiser ends next Tuesday? We know we’re asking a lot, and we’re asking at a time when many people are stretched thin. 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 critical but underfunded programs running in Oliver, Osoyoos and OK Falls in 2023!

The Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser, which runs Nov 1 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, our men’s counselling program, our 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. A huge thanks to the many businesses that have stepped up; Black Sage Butcher (Oliver) collected dollars on Oliver Light Up night, Jo Jo’s Café (Osoyoos) collected donations and staff tips; Unity (Osoyoos) is donating the proceeds from their sales of specialty socks.

South Okanagan Physiotherapy and Active Wellness centre is donating 50 per cent of the value of gift certificates for the month of December. 

The Bargain Shop (Oliver) collected a mountain of toys for Desert Sun’s Share the Spirit gift hamper program and is donating 10 per cent of their ‘Fill the Sleigh Day’ sales. 

Wild Daisy yoga (Oliver) is collecting donations and gift items for Desert Sun’s Share the Spirit gift hampers for families in need.

Desert Sun welcomes the support of any additional businesses that might want to help raise additional funds for the Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser.

Those wanting to support Desert Sun have lots of options. Etransfer to [email protected], visit desertsuncounselling.ca; 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. The $75,000 goal is in sight, let’s make it happen.  

Marieze Tarr,

Executive Director

Desert Sun Counselling and

Resource Centre