Symphony gets local boost

Photo: Facebook - Okanagan Symphony Orchestra

A local medical lab has pledged up to $25,000 to the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, as long as the community matches $20,000 of it.

Valley Medical Laboratories made the donation in recognition of their late co-founder, Dr. Duncan Innes, who was a major supporter and past-President of the Okanagan Symphony.

The lab is donating $5,000 to the symphony this year, and will match any other contributions, up to a total of $20,000.

“It was evident to all of us at Valley Labs how deeply Duncan valued his involvement with the OSO,” said Dr. Larry Argatoff, director of Valley Medical Labs. “We challenge our fellow Okanagan Valley residents to contribute to the Orchestra’s operations and endowment this year. The Okanagan Symphony is one of the most important pieces of the Valley’s cultural fabric and we are proud to commit our support.”

The OSO has been in the Okanagan for 46 years, and is the third largest professional symphony orchestra in B.C.

To be eligible for matching funds from Valley Medical, donations must be made before Nov. 25, 2016, directly through the Central Okanagan Foundation, Community Foundation of the North Okanagan, or Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen.

“We are honoured that they have recognized our regular concerts and education and outreach programs as a key part of a healthy Okanagan,” said Robert Barr, OSO executive director.