November 26th is a big day for Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. Not only is it the Saturday directly after Black Friday, which means the place will be bursting with deals, it's also the day of the 43rd annual OSNS Share a Smile Telethon.
Starting at 12:30 pm and running 'til 5 in the big space just adjacent to Save-On-Foods, the OSNS (the Okanagan Similkameen Neurological Society) telethon will bring a menu of dance, music, theatre and just plain fun to the biggest indoor mall in the South Okanagan.
And all they ask in return is a donation to the Society's Child and Youth Development Centre.
The Christmas-y event, at 43 years of age, is one of the longest standing traditions in the city. However, years 41 and 42 -- in 2020 and 2021 when pandemic measures were in full effect -- were held privately at the OSNS facility.
That makes it three whole years since the event has graced its old home base, in front of a live audience.
"The pandemic did hit us quite hard," said OSNS community engagement lead Megan Windeler. "And that's why this fundraiser is even more important now."
Windeler said to expect performances from dance academies, a school choir, the Princess Margaret High School drama group and much more. Hosting the event once again will be Chad Mielke, and manning the phone board will be a variety of dignitaries and community businesses leaders.
The show will be broadcast live on Shaw Spotlight Cable 11 and Blue Curve Channel 105.
"We're thrilled to be back live and in person at Cherry Lane this year," said Windeler. "It will be a great opportunity for people to learn a bit more about what happens at OSNS, and a bit more about the kids we see and he families we work with.
In that regard, the event will feature several stations positioned throughout the mall where visitors can engage in "developmental experiences."
"Visitors can experience some of the things kids go through when they're receiving pediatric rehabilitation at the centre," said Windeler, "to give them some insight into the challenges kids have who come to us."
But the telethon isn't the only OSNS fundraiser on the immediate horizon. The other is the 2022 Online Auction, an event where you don't even need to leave home to make a difference. Or score a cool prize.
There'll be 100-plus items up for grabs once the auction kicks off on Nov. 18th. Bidding will end on the same day of the telethon, Nov. 26th, at 8 pm.
For more info on the OSNS Share a Smile Telethon and Online Auction, go to the OSNS website here and click on the banner.
