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. Admission is free.
Although mainly for women, men are more than welcome. “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, real estate and investments.
“The event is a great way to herald the coming of spring,” Franks said.
Other projects that WOW are involved in are the food bank, children’s programs, families in need, CPR courses and “Adopt a Highway.”
An woman interested in becoming a member can call Terry at 250-498-6420 or Sally at 250-498-0104.
