AUGUST 2010 News
DATE RAPE DRUG PREVENTION WORKSHOP
Thursday August 5th – 3:00PM-5:00PM
Date rape drugging incidents tend to peak at this time of year, and recently a bust on the Coquihalla Connector yielded a quantity of GHB, a known date rape drug. SOVAS is facilitating a 2hour information session for volunteers, restaurant/bar staff, and individuals concerned about the issue, which includes a viewing of the recent documentary film Dissolve. The session will provide important knowledge for prevention, as well as responding to, and healing from a drugging incident.
Location: SOVAS Office, 204-304 Martin Street
Please register by calling 250.493.0800 as space is limited.
SOVAS SUMMER SOCIAL
Wednesday August 11th – 5:30pm
Join SOVAS staff and board for the annual pot luck summer social.
To RSVP and receive further details please call the office at 250.493.0800.
SOVAS at the Market
August 7, August 21, September 11
SOVAS will host a display table at the Community Market. Along with our programming information we will feature information on Date Rape Drug Awareness and Prevention. We are looking for volunteers to assist us. Please contact Michou Szabo, Resource Development Coordinator at michou.sovas@gmail.com if you are able to commit a few hours on one of the following Saturdays – August 7, August 21, September 11. Shifts are 7:30am – 10:00am or 10:00am – 12:30pm.
WEBSITE MAKEOVER
We’re updating our website. Check out our new look in early August!
July 5, 2010
Jodi (standing) and Lisa from Okanoggin Barbers, celebrated their 2nd year in business June 24th with fundraising activities that raised $550 for the South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society, supporting individuals recovering from abuse.
L to R : Lorne Leier, Mule Co-Owner; Keray Levant, SOVAS Treasurer and Volunteer; Steve Parker, Mule General Manager; Bill Proznick, Co-Owner.
June 26, 2010
Plaque presented to the Mule Nightclub as Allies in Ending Violence Champion 2009-10 for the most funds raised by a business for the South Okanagan Vicitim Assistance Society, serving men, women and children who have experienced abuse.
June 18, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Ever Gathering of United Way Community Partners
United Way brought together all of its Community Partners in the South Okanagan Similkameen last night to celebrate the work that they do in our communities. The funds raised during its 2009 fundraising campaign were distributed to 13 local non-profit social service organizations, including the South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society. “This is the first event of its kind,” explained United Way Leadership Chair Lee Sterry. “We are often asked by our volunteers and our donors where the money goes and whom it benefits and this is where it goes.”
The gathering was hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association at Unity House. A delicious dinner was prepared and served by Unity House members with the help of staff. United Way funds help to support the Unity House meals program that offers healthy food to members seven days a week. Funding recipients talked about the work they do and how important the funds are for them to continue to deliver services. They highlighted about the impact of their work on individual lives.
Donna Jenke from Summerland Neighbour Link reported on the seniors lunch that they host each month. “We often hear from seniors how much they look forward to the lunch as it is the only outing they get all month.”
“We always value the partnership we have with United Way,” said Amanda Lewis, a volunteer Director for Agur Lake Camp Society. This sentiment was echoed throughout the evening.
United Way plans to hold this gathering each year as it provides a valuable
opportunity for its Community Partners to build relationships that will lead to further community collaboration.
For more information on this event, or on United Way, please contact Tracy St. Claire, South Okanagan-Similkameen Coordinator for United Way at 250-492-2842.
