Kelowna is a community that prides itself on giving back, and there are so many ways to get involved, especially at this time of year. Landmark Dental Centre is here to provide you a monthly guide highlighting upcoming volunteer opportunities as well as ongoing projects that could use some more helping hands.
The holidays can be a busy time full of family and a little too much food and drink, but it can also be a really challenging season for many people. Donating your time or resources can be one of the most rewarding ways to give back and be thankful for all that you have, all the while having a positive impact in someone else’s life.
Volunteering is not as daunting as you think, and we’ve made it even easier. Here are five simple ways you can make this holiday season the merriest one yet.
Kelowna Blood Donor Clinic needs over 500 new blood donors by the end of 2016. They have clinics weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursday and every other Saturday at 1865 Dilworth Dr. They also have a new downtown clinic at 1304 Ellis St. on November 23rd from 11:30-6:30 with over 100 open appointments. Get a group together from work or make it a family event to make sure our community is fully stocked going into the New Year.
Contact Gayle at gayle.voyer@blood.ca to book your group appointments or for more information. To book individually go to www.blood.ca or download the GiveBlood APP!
Kelowna Santas is a grassroots, volunteer initiative that strives to provide a better Christmas for less fortunate children that live in the areas of Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna. With drop locations all over the valley, you can donate any new and unwrapped toys. Keep in mind the teenagers as well, as most toys are geared towards younger children.
To volunteer for the wrap party, sign up as a delivery “reindeer” or check out the drop location nearest to you, visit the Kelowna Santas website.
Is your closet overflowing and in need of a clean out? With the winter weather settling in, shelters are in need of donations of warm coats, boots, blankets and clothing to ensure those in need can stay warm. So, why not donate that wool coat you never wear? The Kelowna Shoe bank is also in desperate need of donations, especially winter boots and runners for men. This can be a simple and easy way to give back to the community and get rid of some clutter.
Inn from the Cold is also accepting donations, to see their list of needs visit their website.
If you have any young December birthdays in your family, skip the presents and have a toonie party instead. Each guest brings one toonie, then half goes to a charity picked by the child, and the other half goes to buying themselves something. It’s so important to get our younger generations thinking about giving back, as it is something they will then carry with them throughout their life.
One of the biggest issues food banks have is to provide proper nutrition to families in need. Kelowna Food Share’s goal is to foster, build and inspire local communities to engage and collaborate in urban farming projects to meet the food demands of local Non-Profit Societies. You can give a financial donation, or help become an advocate for these community projects. To learn more visit their website.
No matter how much or how little time you can give, every bit counts when we all decide to give back. Not only will it make healthier communities, but also happier citizens that feel connected to their neighbours. The team at Landmark Dental Centre in Kelowna believe in our community and work to whole heartedly give back in every way they can. Join the movement and become an inspiration yourself!
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