Venture Training Gets ‘Dream Van’

Nov 13, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Kal Rotary Local Donations Chair Brian Reid (left) and Executive Director of Venture Training; Ryan Cucheron with some residents at Venture Training in the new wheelchair accessible van.

Kalamalka Rotary’s Dream Auction has created freedom and peace of mind for residents of Venture Training’s Hawthorn House.

The club’s $39,000 donation has been used by the society to secure a $56,000 a wheelchair accessible mobility van.

“This vehicle was desperately needed to transport our residents” says Eileen Howells, former Executive Director for Venture Training. “We purchased two group homes in 2015 and until now have had to rely on Handidart, taxis and the borrowing of vehicles from other programs or staff vehicles for transport. This van provides the freedom for
some of the most vulnerable people in our community. We are very grateful to Kalamalka Rotary for being selected to receive this donation.” she said.

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Kal Rotary’s Donations Chair Brian Reid says they are very pleased to support the residents of Venture Training with funds for the wheelchair accessible van.

“We are delighted to have chosen this project as one of our major beneficiaries of 2017 Dream Auction proceeds.”

Kalamalka Rotary’s 2018 Dream Auction gets underway this Saturday, November 17.

“We’ve been working hard to create an amazing evening for our guests,” shares Dream Auction Chair Sarah Pruckl. “With the generous support of our community, local businesses and our guests, we are hoping to support more organizations in our community and around the world.”

Venture Training, Greater Vernon’s pioneer social service provider, established in 1955, supports more than 250 adults with developmental and physical disabilities. The organization provides 20 distinguished services ranging from residential complex care, home-share, day programs, therapeutic work as well as community employment.

by Corey Fischer