ANAF Spitfire Unit #5 executive and grant recipients. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Kevin Rothwell

$21,500 awarded to charities

Army Navy Airforce Spitfire Unit hands-out charity funds

Nov 7, 2023 | 7:00 AM

The Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Unit #5 had a good year with the organization’s Saturday meat draw and that is good news for dozens of local charities.

The most recent round of donations brings the total to over $30,000 for the year, including four post-secondary bursaries.

“We’re there for the cadets, and we’re there for hospice and the hospital, organizations that help other individuals,” President Erwin Ruf said. “All funds come from the meat draw. After our costs we donate the rest to the community.”

The organization is planning some changes to the popular Saturday event that is often at full capacity.

“This year has been incredible. I calculate we can do better next year. We are going to change our game plan and raise a little bit more,” Ruf added.

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A total of 17 organizations received funds including: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation, Santa’s Anonymous, North Okanagan Hospice Society, Community Dental, Boot of Hope Society, Teens Count Too, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Navy League of Canada, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Southern Interior Veterans Society, North Okanagan Pipes and Drums, Kalamalka Highlander Pipe Band, Men’s Shed, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and the Kalamalka Caring Clowns Association.

The Men’s Shed will use its funding to update aging equipment.

“As money comes in, we had a new router from the ANAF Ladies Auxillary and this year we got money from the Army and Navy for a brand new bandsaw. It is a very worthy donation and we are very appreciative of it,” Men’s Shed spokesman Pat Broschari said.

The Men’s Shed has just surpassed 100 members and focuses on fellowship through woodworking. Many of the projects support other non-profits in the community.

Any community member can belong to the ANAF. For more information on events and membership, click here.