Okanagan Goddess calendar fundraiser featuring Vernon's Sareena Nickoli on the cover. (Submitted photos/Vixen Photo Studio)

By Pete McIntyre

Local women featured

Goddess calendar raises funds for safe shelter program

Nov 30, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Ashley Duggan says her goal was to create something beautiful out of all the chaos the last two years.

The Vernon photographer, and owner of Vixen Photo Studio, partnered with Amylee Artistry and Hi Flying Dress Hawaii to create the Okanagan Goddess calendar fundraiser featuring local business women in goddess and warrior themes.

The calendars cost $20 with proceeds to the Archway Society’s Safe Shelter Program (formerly The Women’s Transition House).

The 12 Okanagan women featured include Sareena Nickoli from Soul Studio, Jessica Wilde from The Wild Spot and Aaron Brown from Skin Sense and Kettle Valley Family Dental among others.

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Kristi Bieber from 30 Minute Hit Vernon in 2023 Goddess Calendar. (Photo credit: Vixen Photo Studio)

Duggan said in the wake of Covid shutdowns and cancelled fundraisers for many local charities including Archway Society, she decided to find a unique way to raise funds without hosting an event.

“The idea for the calendar came from the desire to create something beautiful amidst all the chaos of the last two years,” Duggan said. “Since Vixen Photo Studio focuses on helping women embrace their bodies and appreciate their beauty through photography, I felt like a calendar featuring local women portrayed as goddesses and warriors was the perfect way to showcase women’s strength and resilience and a suiting way to honour the work they do with Safe Shelter – Transition House program; which supports women and their children seeking safety from domestic violence and abuse.”

Calendars are available online (www.vixenboudoirstudio.com/calendar) and at many Okanagan businesses including Studio Be, 30 Minute Hit Vernon, Farm Bound, Olive Us and Cheek to Chic.

In addition to a 2023 calendar, the publication also includes over $1,800 in coupons for Okanagan businesses.