Staff at Voyager RV in Lake Country present $18,020 cheque to Kelowna Women’s Shelter. (submitted photo)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Business that cares

RV dealership celebrates milestone by giving back to charities

Jun 27, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Voyager RV in Lake Country has marked its 40th anniversary with the continuation of its Voyager Cares Initiative throughout 2024.

The dealership is not only celebrating four decades of serving the community but also strengthening their commitment to giving back, with a renewed running total goal of $240,000 in Voyager Cares donations.

Over a seven day period in June, Voyager donated a total of $54,200 spread between three different local charitable organizations – Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Central Okanagan Food Bank and KGH Foundation.

The way it works is that when a customer purchases a new or used RV from the business, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. But in a new twist this year, the customers themselves get to choose where part of the donation will go from a list of six charities. The remaining donation amount is equally distributed among the other charities, ensuring that all receive support.

“It’s a simple concept, but it works really well because our staff and now our customers get to be a huge part of it,” Jason Friesen, Voyager RV’s Vice President, said. “From our employees working hard to find, sell, service and clean the RVs each month, to our loyal customer base who end up choosing us as their RV dealer of choice. It all leads to these substantial donation amounts. It’s a pretty cool experience for all.”

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Friesen sais Voyager’s $240,000 total donation goal for year-end 2024 is ambitious yet achievable.

“We really just want to thank everyone in the community for all the support they’ve given us over the past 40 years. These donations are a small way for us to say a big thank you to all,” Friesen remarked.

For the second half of this year, people who purchase an RV from Voyager will choose from three other charities for proceeds from the purchase to go: Child Advocacy Centre, Autism Okanagan or BC Diabetes Foundation.

Specific Donation Success Stories

Kelowna Women’s Shelter
Voyager RV presented the Kelowna Women’s Shelter with a cheque for $18,020 as part of the Voyager Cares Initiative. During Hana’s presentation, she said, “Domestic violence remains a significant issue, affecting approximately 44% of women in the Central Okanagan. The shelter’s programs have shown incredible success, with 96% of those who moved out of their support accommodations avoiding a return to their abusers. Every contribution counts: for example, $2,000 can cover a month’s worth of groceries, and $1,800 can provide a week of outreach services. Your ongoing support and open dialogue are crucial in raising awareness and encouraging those in need to seek help.”

Central Okanagan Community Food Bank
Last week, Voyager surprised the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank with a $19,420 donation. RayAnn said, “The Food Bank serves over 32 different food banks in the interior of BC and feeds over 12,000 people a month. They are trying to give people a hand-up and allow them to establish themselves in their lives. Donations like this really help keep our programs going, and it means the world to us. We would not be able to do the things we do without the generosity of people like Voyager RV.”

KGH Foundation
Voyager presented a cheque to the KGH Foundation on June 19th. For 45 years, the KGH Foundation has been the bridge between a generous community and advancing excellence in health care in the interior of BC. Carly, the KGH Foundation’s director of brand experience, talked about what the $16,760 means to their organization. “This allocation will target the most critical areas of necessity, contributing to our $40 million fundraising campaign. The funds will support projects at the forefront, often serving as the cornerstone for uplifting other initiatives that are indispensable for our progress.”