RDNO helps fund website full of things to do during COVID

Photo: RDNO

The regional district wants to help people pass the time and keep busy while socially isolating from the community.

The Regional District of North Okanagan has provided grant funding to develop and create content for a website that will encourage people to engage, learn and create as they continue to practice social distancing and stay home.

The new creative portal will include how-to videos, photography, virtual tours, and more.

The public is encouraged to visit the website and subscribe for updates on new website content posts.

“The RDNO recognizes this is a challenging time for people. The need to stay active and connected is more important than ever,” said Amanda Shatzko, vice-chair of the RDNO. “While there is a lot of online content available, local organizations are doing amazing things to increase their engagement with the community. This website provides a one-stop-shop to access content virtually, allowing people of all ages to learn, explore and create while supporting local not-for-profits.”

The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives will be collaborating with other community partners to develop and manage this new website. 

“Like many not-for-profit cultural or recreational service providers, our team at the museum is unable to deliver regular face-to-face programming. So, when we heard about this project, our team volunteered to take a lead role in setting up and maintaining the website,” said Steve Fleck, executive director of the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives.

The website will include art demos, gallery tours, historical footage and creative inspiration and the Okanagan Science Centre will even live stream some of their animals.

And Fleck said this is just the beginning.

“The site will continue to grow and be driven by the interests of the community. We will encourage people to participate in a variety of ways and provide a platform to help them share and connect with others around the region. As the project progresses, we will share information on how to access online tools and grow their comfort with learning and engaging online. This is a difficult time, but we can make the most of it by bringing people together in new ways.”