Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) staff and families won a $500 prize for charity at the 31st Annual Peachfest Sandcastle competition. The prize is funded by local sponsors and the sandcastle competition was presented by RONA. RDOS staff chose to donate the prize money to Meals on Wheels. The RDOS is committed to building and sustaining a socially responsible community.

The RDOS group created “The Return of the Salmon” sculpture. The 15×15 riverbed sculpture with salmon spawning up stream was a big hit with onlookers.

The sculpture was created to recognize the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative which is working to return sections of the channelized Okanagan River back to a more natural condition. This project will re-establish some of the natural aquatic habitat like sockeye, chinook, steelhead, trout, kokanee, great basin spadefoot toad, tiger salamander and the yellow-breasted chat. The restoration initiative will also increase the regions biodiversity and help the recovery of endangered species, improve water quality and moderate the effects of droughts, floods and climate changes, as well as enhance hiking, cycling and providing wildlife viewing opportunities.