Realtors and staff at Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty put on winter clothes to launch their blanket drive. From left are: Moira Buchanan, Mary Harvey, Jim Harvey, Ken Rorison, Linda Davreau, Kevin McKerral, Sheila Starck, Jennifer Brock, Lucia Marin and Pamela Hass. (Richard McGuire photo)
Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty is once again teaming up with Kiwanis of Osoyoos to collect new and clean lightly used blankets and cold-weather clothing for families in need.
This is the second year the realty has held the blanket drive, said Linda Davreux, owner and managing broker.
And, for the 12th year, the realty is also collecting funds and suitable items for the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Penticton.
Davreux said the blanket drive is something that used to be done in Penticton and she thought it was an idea that could be tried in other communities.
“So last year was the first year we brought it down here,” she said. “I just wanted to be able to have something in our local community as well.”
With the weather cooling down, the realty has already started collecting items, she said.
“We take donations and gently used items of clothing, mittens, jackets, blankets, basically for the wintertime,” Davreux said. “We’re doing it in conjunction with Kiwanis, because they very graciously will come and gather the items and distribute to people that need them.”
Items will be accepted until Dec. 13 and Kiwanis will distribute them during their Share the Christmas Spirit drive.
Once Halloween is over, the realty will be starting its SPCA drive so the two campaigns will be happening at the same time.
The business will post a wish list of items the SPCA needs and they also accept donations of cash and cheques made payable to the SPCA.
Davreux, an animal lover, noted that the SPCA recently had a large number of cats dropped off and they are desperate to find homes for them. Some of the needed items are for the animals, but SPCA also needs donations of supplies for its office, she said.
In past years, Osoyoos residents have been generous.
“We’ve had a very, very nice outpouring,” she said. “It’s been lovely.”
The realty is also participating in the Osoyoos Credit Union’s Trick or Treat Main Street this year and is challenging parents to wear costumes.
“We noticed that quite a few wear costumes, so we thought great, let’s see if we can get a few more people involved just for fun,” said Davreux. “And we’ll give a prize to the best-dressed parent.”
Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty is located at 8512 Main Street.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
