The Rotary Club of Osoyoos’ upcoming First Responders Gala will celebrate local police, fire and ambulance personnel. (File photo)

By Vanessa Broadbent

Osoyoos Times

A new initiative from the Rotary Club of Osoyoos is supporting local first responders, not only through funds but with recognition.

The club’s first annual First Responders Gala – a black tie dinner including live music by Diane Ball and dancing – aims to recognize Osoyoos’ RCMP, firefighters and ambulance workers for their work in the community, Rotarian Jim King said.

“They never get recognition. If something happens and there’s an accident, they’re the people on the front lines.”

Osoyoos’ RCMP detachment, fire department and ambulance service were each asked to choose a recipient for two awards: volunteer of the year and officer/member of the year. Recipients were chosen by their peers.

Each of the services will also walk away with funding. All money raised from the gala will be split three ways and donated to the first responders.

King predicts that each group will get between $2,000 and $3,000, which they can put towards equipment or an initiative of their choosing.

“We just felt it was our small way of trying to help them buy something.”

• Read more: Rotary donation helps buy movable shelving for library

Along with ticket sales, funds are raised through sponsors as well. Event sponsors are Quail Security, Spirit Ridge, McLean Construction, Ellcar Construction, Osoyoos Credit Union, Interior Savings and Eileen McGinn.

This is the first year the Rotary Club is hosting the event, but King said the group is planning to make it an annual occurrence.

“The event is about hope; it is about working together to make a difference in Osoyoos,” King said.

“It is about celebrating our collaborative efforts and recognizing the hard work of our (first responders).”

The First Responders Gala is on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Spirit Ridge. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m.

For tickets ($75 per person) or more information, contact King at 250-689-4423 or [email protected].