The Women of Oliver for Women group, (WOW) is made up of community minded women who believe in giving back to their community through working for the betterment of women and children, community service and the donation of funds raised for worthwhile causes.
In addition to highway cleanup twice a year, other community services include donations of park benches in strategic locations, refurbishing and caring for the entrance gardens at McKinney Place.
Every February the ladies host the Mainly for Women trade show, featuring businesses owned and operated mainly by women, displaying everything from beautifully crafted pottery and jewelry, to foods, clothing, quilts and health products.
This year’s show takes place on February 22 at the Oliver Community Centre.
All of the funds raised at the trade show are donated to organizations such as Desert Sun counseling, a citizenship scholarship for a student graduating from the Oliver high school and a bursary for women who through circumstances need to return to the workforce and need further education or courses.
A Christmas auction held every December raises money for hampers, Safe House, Oliver food bank, the hospice society, and gift baskets for women who are totally on their own.
Many other projects have been taken on by these dedicated members of WOW.
We have contributed to the Oliver public library, the literacy program, and we help with the senior centre teas and the Halloween celebration at Parks and Recreation.
We have also peeled veggies for the Okanagan Gleaners and helped fill soup bags to be sent to countries in need. The group has also sponsored two CPR courses open to the public.
Membership is open to women who are interested in helping WOW achieve the goal of enriching the lives of women and children in our community and beyond.
Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month from September to May at Quail’s Nest Arts Centre at 5840 Airport Road.
We welcome new members. For further inquiries please contact Terry Beddome at 250-498-6420, Shirley Polk at 250-498-6300 or Sally Franks at 250-498-0104.
Contributed by Sally Franks
