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There were smiles everywhere as $34,145 was raised at the 40th annual Share a Smile telethon benefiting the Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society (OSNS) Child and Youth Development Centre on Sunday at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre.
“It’s not really about the total we raise. We are just so happy that people know about us and what we do, and maybe that in turn makes people more patient and compassionate. We are very grateful for the huge support OSNS gets from its communities,” said Manisha Willms, OSNS executive director.
Cherry Lane mall was bustling most of Sunday, with hundreds who came out to donate and take in the live entertainment. Princess Margaret Secondary’s theatre group performed, as did an elementary school choir, several dancer groups and even the Penticton Vees doing some karaoke.
The phones seemed to be ringing non-stop as volunteers from Rona, Rotary, the fire department and more answered the calls and took in donations. Donations were also being collected throughout the mall.
“We have been packed full of people since the start of the telethon,” said Willms on Sunday.
This is the second year OSNS has hosted the telethon at the mall. Previously, it was held at the Child Development Centre near the Penticton Hospital. The shift to the mall, a more public space, aimed to help connect the community more to the organization.
While the amount raised this year is considerably lower than years’ past, Willms and all the volunteers marked the telethon a huge success.
“I’m just stunned by the number of seniors and people on fixed income as well as kids who donated their allowance to us. That is equally amazing to me than our larger contributors. Every bit of money helps and goes directly to helping kids.”
Willms told the crowd on Sunday that OSNS helped over 1,600 children last year.
“That’s a lot of children and youth over those 40 years who have benefited from the services and support OSNS offers,” she said.
The OSNS provides early intervention, rehabilitation, and programming for children with developmental delays.
