
Photo: theblueshoundsband.com
There will be a warm vibe on Thursday night at the new Kelowna Events Centre.
Blues N Bites Night Market will be held from 4-9 p.m. at the new centre, which is located at 2041 Harvey Ave. Hosted by Kelowna Foodie Hub, the event will offer attendees a chance to groove for a good cause.
Blueshounds will hit the stage to perform an energetic blues set, and all it costs to get in is a canned food donation. All items collected will be given to Central Okanagan Food Bank.
“We’re excited to bring the community together for a night of great music, food and giving back,” Kelowna Foodie Hub co-founder Quinn Perks said in a press release. “Blues N Bites is all about supporting local, and we can’t wait to see everyone come out and help us stock up the food bank while enjoying some incredible blues.”
Those in attendance will enjoy an array of delicious treats by vendors offering tasty bites for every palate. Anyone looking for a little extra can pay $15 for their ticket, and they will also get a welcome drink.
More information about Blues N Bites Night Market can be found on its website here.

Image: Contributed
A rendering of the new Penticton Regional Hospital oncology ward.
The South Okanagan Medical Foundation is grateful to CIBC branch for stepping up and donating $50,000 to their ongoing $10 million Penticton Regional Hospital Oncology Centre campaign, which is close to the finish line.
SOS Medical Foundation is less than $1 million from its goal to bring improved cancer care to patients throughout the region. The $50,000 goes a long way.
“We are truly honoured by this incredible support,” SOS Medical Foundation CEO Ian Lindsay said in a press release. “CIBC’s commitment goes far beyond financial contributions; it’s a show of compassion and a dedication to improving care for those fighting cancer in our community.”
Added CIBC Foundation executive director Ronan Ryan: “Cancer is a cause that is very important to us at CIBC because it affects so many Canadians, including our team members, clients and loved ones. This is why we continue our longstanding support of organizations that deliver cancer research, treatment, screening and diagnosis, as well as wellness, survivorship and patient support programs,”
“We’re proud to support the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation and its ambition of improving cancer care for the South Okanagan Similkameen community.”
The upgraded Oncology Centre at PRH is set to open this summer, but more funds still need to be raised.
For more information or to donate, click here.

Image: Google
If your vehicle is in need of an oil change, you can get it done in February and help out the community at the same time.
Freedom’s Door Kelowna and Midas have teamed up on the Drive for Hope, an oil change fundraiser whose proceeds will go directly to Freedom’s Door Kelowna. The organization supports men on their journey to overcome addiction.
Freedom’s Door is selling $60 vouchers that will get you either a conventional oil change or a synthetic oil change for another $30 at the Midas location in Westbank.
You can donate and pick up your voucher from either the Midas location in Westbank (2460b Dobbin Rd.) or at 1279 Centennial Cres. in Kelowna. Freedom’s Door Kelowna accepts cash or e-transfer at [email protected].
Once you have a voucher in your hands, you can book a February appointment by calling 250-768-2722.

Photo: Facebook
Metro Community executive director Joel Feddersen, left, and Rotary Club of Kelowna donation committee member Bruce Wilson.
The Rotary Club of Kelowna donated more than $128,000 to local organizations last year.
In its annual recap of the year gone by, the local Rotary Club outlined the 23 disbursements it made to a wide variety of local organizations.
Its largest donation was to Freedom’s Door Ethel Glen House, a supportive housing facility for 10 residents, both men and women, who live with chronic mental health challenges. Residents range in age from mid-30 to 70 years old.
Back in June, Freedom’s Door said the funds would be used to renovate their garage-carriage house to create four more bedrooms for women in need.
“Today, our community’s most pressing needs are with homelessness and mental health issues,” Rotary Club of Kelowna president Bill Redmond said in June. “In Rotary’s tradition of caring for our community, we are pleased to be able to donate funds that will provide more space and care for these often-marginalized people.”
The Rotary Club of Kelowna raised more than $100,000 at its pro-am golf tournament at The Harvest Golf Course in April. The tournament is the club’s largest fundraising event.
Other large disbursements in 2024 included $19,500 for the Rotary Strive scholarships, $10,573 for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and $10,000 for the Westside Salvation Army fire relief.
The Rotary Club of Kelowna was founded in 1928, and members continue to meet at the Coast Capri Hotel every Tuesday. More information about the organization can be found here.

Image: Google
Nearly a dozen organizations have received grant funding from the City of Kamloops to put toward expenditures or special projects that address social issues.
In a news release, the City of Kamloops said 22 non-profit organizations applied to receive funding through this year’s Social and Community Development Grants.
Grants were awarded to 11 organizations based on recommendations from the social planing engagement group after an evaluation process facilitated by city staff.
“The city would like to thank all organizations who applied. Your continued support and service in our community is acknowledged and appreciated,” the city said.
The following organizations received grants this year:
Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society — $30,000
People in Motion — $15,000
Interior Women’s Centre Society — $15,000
Kamloops Art Council — $15,000
Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services — $15,000
Mount Paul Community Centre — $12,073
Kamloops Food Policy Council — $6,500
BIG Little Science Centre Society — $6,000
Kamloops Adult Learners Society — $5,000
Spinal Cord Injury BC — $5,000
Kamloops Happy Choristers Senior Choir — $3,000
The City of Kamloops said over the past five years the grant has funded 35 social agencies in Kamloops.
This year, applicants were able to request up to $30,000, which could go towards operational costs, special projects, special capital expenditures or one-year seed money for a social enterprise initiative.
Projects need to further specific priorities laid out in its social plan, including housing, youth and family issues, Indigenous services, child care and food security.

Photo: Facebook
A local tire shop is expanding its fundraising program after having great success during its initial launch—and is inviting people to join the program.
Integra Tire Vernon is launching an annual Community Tire Fundraising Program, which will support local sports teams, schools and community organizations.
“Launched in 2024, this program has already made an impact, supporting groups such as the Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association (GVMHA), Sky Volleyball, and schools in School District 22,” Integra Tire Vernon wrote in a press release. “Following the success of its inaugural year, Integra Tire Vernon is excited to make this program a permanent, yearly opportunity for the community.”
The program will donate 10% of each tire purchase associated with participating groups back to the group. Each team or organization is assigned a unique code, and supporters mention the code when booking services to get funds to the right place.
The group that raises the most funds by the end of the year will receive an additional 5% bonus on top of total funds raised. Groups can choose quarterly payouts or a lump sum at the end of the year.
The tire shop is inviting local sports teams, schools, non-profits and community organizations to participate in the program. People looking for more information or to sign up can email Chris Martens.

Photo: Gorman Group
Gorman Group has kept its holiday turkey tradition alive.
The West Kelowna lumber company has once again spread holiday cheer by giving turkeys to each and every one of its nearly 900 employees. It’s a custom that has spanned most of the company’s 73-year history.
Many of the employees chose to donate their turkeys to local food banks, resulting in more than 780 pounds being donated. They also contributed around 500 pounds of non-perishable food items, bringing the total donation to more than 1,280 pounds of food that went directly to the Central Okanagan Food Bank and other local charities.
“At Gorman Group, fostering a culture of care and gratitude is at the heart of what we do,” CEO Nick Arkle said in a press release. “Our annual turkey handout is a way to show appreciation for our employees’ dedication while supporting the communities that sustain us.”
Gorman Group consists of five businesses throughout B.C. and Washington state: Gorman Bros. Lumber in West Kelowna, Downie Timber in Revelstoke, Canoe Forest Products in Canoe, B.C., Lumby Pole and Oroville Reman & Reload in Oroville, Wash.

Photo: Contributed
The Penticton Starfish pack project has been receiving some major donations over the holiday season.
The Rotary Club of Penticton started the Starfish Backpack Program in April 2017 as a response to teachers being concerned over local elementary school kids heading home and having to worry about a lack of weekend meals.
The organization recently received a $4,000 donation from the Penticton Professional Fire Fighters Charitable Society.
“What a great program to help feed local kids in need,” the society shared in a social media post.
CUPE 523 Union also donated to $500.
Every year the CUPE 523, which represents clerical, education assistants, custodians and other school support workers, chooses a few non-profits to make a charitable donation to.
“There’s nobody that understands the need of students more than this group! CUPE 523 has done it again! This time with a cheque for $500 bringing their all-time donation amount of $7000,” Starfish Pack shared on its social media.
The City of Penticton’s municipality city yards staff donated $875 from the proceeds of their holiday breakfast to Starfish Pack as well.
“They have essentially ‘adopted’ a student for one year to assist with weekend food support,” Starfish wrote. “Thank you Kristen and everybody else at the City Yards!”
Last but not least, Livy Lou’s Hair Design donated $225 to Starfish.
“This is part of a fundraiser that owner Ashley is championing every month! This donation will help to support the 120 local kiddos in 13 schools (and their families) with bags of weekend food,” the organization shared.
“To date Ashley, her staff and clients have raised $2,825 in cash plus donations of summer school food items.”
For more information on the Starfish Pack program, head to its website here or visit its Facebook page.
The Veterans Food Bank B.C. has kicked off its first-ever food drive, aiming to provide essential support to local veterans and their families in need.
Running now through Dec. 21, the initiative not only seeks to collect food donations but also to raise awareness about the challenges veterans face in the Kelowna area and the services available to assist them.
Allan Reid, the president and founder of Veterans Food Bank B.C., said a team will distribute the collected items to veterans and their families just before Christmas.
So far, the food bank has received a generous amount of canned goods and non-perishable items.
“The biggest thing I think is hamburger, eggs, milk … that kind of study,” Reid said.
According to Reid, there are approximately 280 veterans in the Kelowna area, with at least 80 living at or below the poverty line.
Veteran Kelly Woiden, who served 43 years in uniform and spent time in Afghanistan, said it’s not just the veterans who need support but also their families.
“It’s not only the individual, it’s the family. It’s everyone around them. I remember folks looking at me saying, ‘Are you OK?’ So everyone deals with challenges in their life differently,” he said.
“Veterans are very proud, as they should be and they won’t go to a regular food bank and so that’s why we started this.”
Reid launched the Veterans Food Bank in September.

Photo: Contributed
The KIJHL’s Kelowna Chiefs were busy giving back to those less fortunate this Christmas holiday season.
With the need greater than it has ever been, the team on Monday presented the Central Okanagan Food Bank with a $5,000 donation.
The donation was made by team owner Darren Tymtyshn on behalf of the team.
The team also sponsored four families and two senior couples, providing them with gifts and everything they need for a Christmas feast.
“My wife and I donate to the local charities every year, and now that we own the Kelowna Chiefs we think it’s important that the Chiefs are involved in the community,” Tymtyshn said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
The food bank says the need is even greater this year than ever before, with a record 4,500 Christmas hampers being delivered to help support about 12,000 people in need.
That’s on top of the work being done by other agencies across the Central Okanagan.