Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Okanagan Village Housing Society is raising money to acquire the property next to Marshall Fields and build a 96 unit affordable housing project (photo courtesy of OKVHS website)
96 Unit Affordable Housing Project

$20K raised for affordable housing project, matching donation campaign still running

Dec 4, 2024 | 3:08 PM

A fundraiser in support of a new affordable housing project in Vernon has already brought in thousands of dollars, and the campaign to gather matching donations has been extended.

The Okanagan Village Housing Society’s A Place to Call Home fundraiser, in support of the development of a 96-unit affordable housing project at 6545 Okanagan Landing Road,near Marshall Fields, raised nearly $20,000 in just one day.

This marked a milestone for the society, as it wants to raise $80,000 in the campaign that will see an anonymous donor provide matching funds up to that figure.

“As a long-time Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand the changes in housing affordability in Vernon,” Lisa Salt, a realtor in Vernon and a member of the Okanagan Village Housing Society (OKVHS) Board of Directors.

“I joined the Board of Directors and the Fundraising Committee for OKVHS to be part of the solution. Our entire team donates a portion of each commission cheque to charity, and we couldn’t think of a better cause to support in 2024 than A Place to Call Home.”

The fundraiser received numerous donations for individuals and businesses, including the Vernon Salt Fowler Team which provided $5,370 toward the initiative.

“My heart just grew. I had been picking up donations, receiving calls from people asking how to give, and watching donations come in through Canada Helps,” Cindy Masters, Executive Director of OKVHS, said.

“A long-time tenant walked in with tears in her eyes. She said it wasn’t much, but she wanted the society to have it so we could continue helping people like herself. With tears in my eyes, I shared what I have always believed: Every Dollar Makes a Difference!”

The matching campaign remains open, meaning public contributions will effectively be doubled until the $80,000 mark has been hit. people can donate to support the affordable housing development through Canada Helps or by contacting the Okanagan Village Housing Society.

View Comments