Community members are invited this weekend to lend a helping hand to one of Penticton's largest annual fundraisers.
The OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre's Share-a-Smile Fall Fundraiser takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30, inside Penticton's Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.
While the annual fundraiser kicked off in October, Saturday is the final day for people to donate and support children with developmental supportive needs across the South Okanagan.
“We’re so excited about our upcoming showcase event and the wonderful variety of performances we have for the community to enjoy," said Megan Windeler, community engagement lead at OSNS. "Cherry Lane has been such a gracious host and a long-standing partner, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing support of OSNS."
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and will commence in conjunction with Santa Claus' arrival at the mall this holiday season.
Entertainment lineup for Saturday's event:
• Children and teachers of the OSNS (interactive song and dance for kids);
• Okanagan Dance Studios;
• Rise Dance Academy;
• Princess Margaret High School Drama;
• Okanagan Inclusion;
• Violinists from Adora Wong’s studio at the Penticton Academy of Music
"We encourage everyone to come down to Cherry Lane this Saturday to enjoy the festive fun," Windeler added.
The event will be hosted by Chad Mielke, a local realtor, and open with a traditional welcome by Anona Kampe, a member of the Penticton Indian Band.
Running as a one-day showcase for more than 40 years, the event became a fall-long fundraiser in 2023.
People can donate online at osns.org/donate or by calling 250-492-0295.
Donations at certain levels, meanwhile, will be entered into a draw to win a prize, with more details available on OSNS' Instagram page.
50/50 raffle tickets are also available for purchase until Nov. 30, at midnight. According to event organizers, the jackpot can grow to $20,000.
Tickets can be purchased here.
