Thanksgiving may be a thing of the past but a Penticton car dealership wasn’t quite ready to say farewell to the theme of giving back on Tuesday morning.
The South Okanagan Women in Need Society and Discovery House, an addiction recovery program were on the other end of a $30,000 donation from Parkers Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Oct. 11.
Each group received $15,000, courtesy of a cheque presentation from Parkers’ general manager Jim Tabler.
“If you have ever had an opportunity to hear a few of the stories about how these organizations have been able to help their clients, from the clients themselves, you can better understand why organizations such as these are so valuable within the community,” Tabler said.
The dealership has remained a community partner with SOWINS and Discovery House for years but Tuesday marked the first time representatives from both organizations came together at the same time to accept their cheques.
“To hear individuals talk openly about the struggles they have had in their lives and how these organizations have given them guidance and resources they needed to get them away from abuse or end the cycle of dependencies is absolutely heart-wrenching,” Tabler added.
The dealership’s general manager emphasized the importance of recognizing the staff and volunteers who make SOWINS and Discovery House operate on a day-to-basis.
“You are truly the leaders of this community,” he said.
While the $15,000 for Discovery House will help the centre continue its abstinence-based recovery services, the money for SOWINS is part of the group’s annual Share the Spirit holiday fundraiser.
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