30-day cash giveaway

The Kelowna Jaycees have partnered with Project Literacy Kelowna in hopes of solving some of the root problems of poverty in Kelowna. 

When someone isn’t able to read, write or do basic math it is very hard to excel in today’s world. Project Literacy Kelowna has helped over 6,000 Okanagan residents to learn these basic skills and go on to find jobs that allow them to get out of poverty.

Their need for more staff, tutors and materials is so great that they have created a raffle fundraiser that is giving away $50 to $1,000 away every day of November.

Tickets are $5, four for $20 or a full book for $125. To purchase your tickets please email transfer money to [email protected]. Ticket sales end Sunday night. Password: "reading."

I look forward to the day that all our education programs are fully funded and the failing government businesses need to hold a raffle to bail themselves out. Sorry that’s it for my political rants.

Now let’s talk alcohol and fun.

Next Friday start your holiday weekend with Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of Genuine Absinthe. 

They will be opening their barrel rooms in both Kelowna and Vernon for this special evening as they created Canada’s first Genuine Absinthe. There will be treats from 6 to 9 p.m. as well as Absinthe inspired cocktails. 

If you can’t make that one, Okanagan Spirits is also hosting the 2017 Mixoff Thursday night at the Laurel Packinghouse. Check out the details here.  

The View Winery and Wards Apple Cider continue to out do themselves with unique events.

This Saturday is their Spooktacular Halloween Candy and Wine Pairing and Cider event.  

Halloween candy paired with wine and cider. Can you believe it?

The cost is $4 per person and they are running the event from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. See you there!

OK beer lovers, it’s not candy paired, but Tree Brewing is hosting their 4th Annual Cask Throwdown this Thursday at the downtown Institute. The cost is $15 per person. Go and find out if Brewer Justin will hang on to the title for the second year in a row.  

Dr. Anna Marie Gierach DC is quickly making a big name for herself here in Kelowna. She is currently working as a chiropractor with Altavie Integrated Family Health in the south pandosy area.  

She has partnered with MOGA and co-ordinated with four other health professionals for the first Zero to Thrive event. This event is for Kelowna Moms to come together and get the answers to some of the most common queries they get from families.   

The event is happening Wednesday Nov. 1, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and they encourage you to bring your babies. It will consist of short 20minute talks which will get you a lot of information before your little ones get restless. 

Coming together with others in the same situation is very rewarding because you realize you are not the only ones. Starting a family can be a stressful time, but together it is much easier. Go and check it out.

Okanagan Changemakers is invitine everyone to come meet the social entrepreneurs in the Valley at ChangeUP 3.   

These social entrepreneurs will pitch their innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges. The audience gets to pick one of the six finalists as this year’s winner.

The Keynote speaker Murad Al-Katib is EY’s Global Entrepreneur of the year. Come find out how Saskatachewan lentils are solving some of the food security issues. 

Make it a great week!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.