$1.5m for JoeAnna's House

Photo: Facebook. The design plan for JoeAnna's House, set to open this December.

Volunteers have gifted a $1.5 million donation to JoeAnna's House in the lead up to its opening later this year. 

JoeAnna's House will offer short-term accommodation for out of town families of patients at Kelowna General Hospital so they have a safe and welcoming place to stay while loved ones are cared for. 

The donation via the volunteer-run Perking Lot coffee shop at KGH, Royal Bistro, Centennial Mercantile and Rutland Thrift Store is one of the largest cash gifts JoeAnna's House has received. 

The fundraising effort started in 2017. 

KGH Foundation director of business enterprises Nancy Wells, who oversees operations at the four volunteer venues, says she has been encouraged by the enthusiasm of her 400-plus volunteers.
 
“What an accomplishment. Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from university students to empty nesters to retirees – everyone has given the gift of time, and we couldn’t do this without you! You should all be very proud.”
 
JoeAnna’s House is scheduled to open before Christmas, and Wells says there will be a significant volunteer component for people who would like to get involved.
 
“Every four-hour volunteer shift represents a position we don’t have to pay a wage for, which cuts our overhead and increases our fundraising potential. For our money-making ventures in the hospital and Rutland, it just means more opportunities to fund equipment and patient-care innovations not currently covered through our taxes.”