Giving Tuesday celebrated around Okanagan

Giving Tuesday civic celebrations have been held as part of the Giving Tuesday Okanagan movement.

Local civic leaders, charities, companies and citizens gathered at City Hall in Penticton, Kelowna and Vernon to recognize the official kickoff of the giving season and celebrate those that give back.

In Vernon, city councillor Akbal Mund and MLA Eric Foster hosted the local civic celebration in Vernon Council Chambers surrounded by local charities. Tim Horton’s donated treats.

A Community Giving Tree was set up by United Way to encourage companies to add a company ornament and drop off a donation for their favourite charity. The tree will be located in the Prestige Vernon Lodge conference hallway until January. Donations will be accepted at the Prestige Vernon
Lodge reception or United Way donations, http://unitedwaysibc.com/locallove.

In Penticton, Mayor John Vassilaki read the Giving Tuesday proclamation as the first item on the Council meeting agenda followed by a photo opp with local charities that attended the event.

In Kelowna, Deputy Mayor Loyal Wooldridge officially proclaimed Giving Tuesday inside City Hall flanked by a large contingent of local charities.

People are asked to consider ways to “give” back to your favourite charity or community organization by donating either time, talent or treasure this holiday season.

You can get more details at http://facebook.com/givingtuesdayokanagan.