South Okanagan Women in Need Society thrilled after local businesses step up to help

Photo: Contributed

Colin Powell, Owner IGA Penticton and Summerland featured with SOWINS staff members

A call for community help from the South Okanagan Women in Need Society was met with overwhelming support this week.

SOWINS, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women and children escape abuse and violence, found themselves with a greater need than ever before for non-perishable food and hygiene products.

"The rising costs of living including gas, food, and other essential items have been disproportionately difficult for many or our clients to navigate who often have modest incomes and live paycheque to paycheque," said Danielle Goulden, SOWINS executive director.

“Most years the shelves get replenished without us having to put out a plea for support, but this year has been different, and we are experiencing a much higher need than we have seen in previous years.”

The society posted to their Facebook page last week and the response was more than they could have dreamed. Many community members stepped up with donations, and then they got a call from Paul Carey at Cantex Okanagan.

He and Colin Powell, owner of the Penticton IGA, had teamed up to bring a truckload of items to SOWINS.

There were cases of water, Boost nutrition drink, juice boxes, granola bars, tuna, crackers, pasta, pasta sauce, rice and freezies, thrilling the SOWINS team.

“The South Okanagan community continues to amaze me," said Goulden.

“We cannot thank all of you and especially Paul and Colin enough for helping us meet the growing needs in our community."

To learn more about SOWINS and the services they offer, including a 24-hour crisis line, emergency sheltering, counselling services for women, youth and children, mobile outreach and community-based victim services programs, or to donate, click here.