The launch party was May 10th at Boston Pizza. The event was June 2nd, starting at Rotary Park and winding along the shore of Okanagan Lake. And today we know just how much money the South Okanagan Women In Need Society raised during its 6th annual Walk to End Abuse.
According to a press release dated July 4, the walk raised "just over" $50,000. It's a record-breaking total for the Society's premier annual fundraiser.
Little wonder. The crowd at the launch party packed the Boston Pizza lounge. It was lively and engaging. The walk itself was held in perfect weather and went off without a hitch. And it was visually appealing too.
The sight of the participants making their way along a pathway lined with thousands of tiny, colored flags - each representing a bed stay, a crisis call answered, or folks who couldn't be sheltered - was highly impactful.
The press release goes on to say, "Although we live in a small community, the number of individuals accessing our services and programs continues to grow year after year. That is why the message sent by all the donors and walk attendees is so powerful. We are letting all those affected by violence and abuse know that we stand with them, and we are walking for awareness and for change."
Top sponsors for the 2019 iteration of the walk included Parker’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Penticton Foundry, Bank of Montreal, Cantex Okanagan Construction Ltd., Home Hardware of Penticton, Scott Mayhew Contracting, and TOPS Technology Solutions. And of course Boston Pizza, which donated "drinks and appies for all attendees."
Prize winners included Grant Thornton, who had the greatest number of team members walk at the event, Hidden Chapel Winery, which for the third consecutive year was the team that raised the most money, and Amber Getchell, a "faithful SOWINS volunteer" who raised the most money of any individual.
The 7th annual edition of the Walk to End Abuse happens on Sunday, June 7th, 2020. For more information, head to the SOWINS website.
