Women of Oliver for Women (WOW)
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16TH
At the Oliver Community Center Main Hall 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Women of Oliver for Women, formerly known as the Oliver Chapter of Soroptimist International was the first group in Oliver to participate in the Adopt- A-Highway program. At least twice a year the members donate a few hours of their time to clean up the highway just north of Town.
The Women of Oliver for Women group is made up of community minded women who believe in giving back to their community through working for the betterment of women and families, community service and the donation of funds raised for worthwhile causes. In addition to the highway cleanup other community services include donations of park benches in strategic locations, refurbishing and caring for the entrance gardens at McKinney Place.
Every February the ladies host the MAINLY FOR WOMEN TRADE SHOW featuring businesses owned and operated mainly by women, displaying everything from beautifully crafted pottery and jewelry, to foods, clothing, quilts and health products. All of the funds raised at the trade show are donated to organizations such as the Desert Sun Counseling, a citizenship scholarship for a student graduating from the Oliver Secondary School and a bursary for women who through circumstances need to return to the work force and need further education or courses. This year the Show is being held on February 16th.
A Christmas Auction held every December raises monies for hampers, Safe House, Oliver Food Bank, Oliver Hospice Society, Desert Sun Counseling and gift baskets for women who are totally on their own.
Many other projects have been taken on by these dedicated members of WOW. We have contributed to the Oliver Public Library, the Literacy Program, helped with the Senior’s Centre teas , Halloween celebration with Parks and Rec, peeled veggies for the Okanagan Gleaners as well as filling soup bags to be sent to countries in need. Dictionaries have been provided for schools, funds are provided to enable children to attend the Sun fun program in the summer. A CPR course open to the Community was held last spring. A Bridge Tournament was held in the Fall as a fundraiser to enable the group to extend their projects.
Membership is open to women who are interested in helping WOW achieve the goal of “ENRICHING THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND”. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month from September to May, at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre on 95th St. We are a great group and we welcome new members. For further inquiries please contact Terry Beddome at 250-498-6420, Shirley Polk at 250-498-6300 or Sally Franks at 250- 498-0104.