Adding sparkle to shelter

Photo: Contributed

A charity auction has raised $4,000 for the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

The second annual Premier Jewellery and Loans fundraiser auctioned off a pair of diamond earrings appraised at $7,800. 

Readers bid on the earrings in December in the Castanet contest.

All proceeds will go to helping women and children escape domestic violence.

“The ongoing support Premier Jewellery and Loans provides through this innovative fundraiser really makes a difference in the lives of women in our community who have experienced intimate partner violence, and we’re so grateful to participate,” said Women's Shelter executive director Karen Mason.

“It is only through the generous financial support of the community we are able to run valuable programs like Outreach, so we were delighted to partner with Premier Jewellery and Loans,” added resource development co-ordinator Kathleen Lemieux. “Clients do not have to stay at the shelter to access this program, and the service is free to women in the community.”

Premier owner Martin Strasser said: "we're excited to support the Kelowna Women's Shelter. We share their dream that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. As a Kelowna business, it's important to us that this donation is used to help local residents, and we couldn't ask for a better charity to work with."