Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Winter Wonderland Wish List/JoeAnna's House
By Vernon Matters Staff
Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland Wish List returns to support families at JoeAnnas House

Nov 20, 2025 | 11:37 AM

Holiday spirit is getting a local twist this year as the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) Foundation and JoeAnnas House roll out the Winter Wonderland Wish List – a festive month-long campaign that turns everyday outings into acts of generosity.

Running from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, the initiative invites residents to shop, sip, dine and explore local businesses that are giving back to families with loved ones receiving care at the hospital.

The program has already raised more than $127,000 over two years and continues to grow as a favourite seasonal tradition. About 20 businesses are involved in this year’s Wish List, offering small give-back opportunities that help keep families close when it matters most. .

A pop up Winter Wonderland Family Day is set for Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Midtown Station. The one day celebration carries forward one of the most popular elements of past Winter Wonderland events.

View Comments

Other Matters

Climate Action Ripple Effect
CARE program re-branded to boost project impacts, reach
The Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) program has re-branded and is looking for new mentors.The program, run by School District 22, is marking its fifth anniversary with new branding, an updated website, and strategies to boost student and community climate education, engagement and impacts.CARE sees Vernon and area ...
5h ago
Read More
change at the top
John Rustad quits as B.C. Conservative leader, local MLAs react
John Rustad has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., saying he quit to avert a "civil war" in the Opposition ranks.His departure came one day after he refused to resign in the face of a caucus revolt in which 20 MLAs representing a caucus majority said they had lost confidence in his leadersh...
7h ago
Read More
Capital Project List
Over $39.5M in Greater Vernon capital projects planned for 2026
Greater Vernon will see a lot of investments into assets in the coming year.A report to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) stated that it had over $39,500,000 worth of projects planned for 2026, though those would be majorly offset by a $20-million grant for one of the projects.The projects planned for 2026 i...
7h ago
Read More
Festive weekend
Parade with a purpose brings holiday cheer and road closures to Kelowna
Kelowna residents can expect some festive fun and traffic delays this weekend as the 6th annual Parade with a Purpose takes over downtown. The parade, which supports youth mental health through the KGH Foundation, will start at City Park at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and travel down Bernard Avenue to Bertram Street be...
10h ago
Read More
$6,443 Raised
Vernon Public Art Gallery surpasses GivingTuesday goal
The local art scene has gotten a big boost from a sponsor and members of the public.As part of GivingTuesday, VantageOne Credit Union pledged to match $2,500 in community donations to the Vernon Public Art Gallery.The gallery had hoped to raise that sum through community donations, but the public made their support cle...
10h ago
Read More
Parking Permits
Vernon's parking pass to be sold through HotSpot in 2026
Parking permits will be available in less than a month, and can only be secured through the city's parking provider.Vernon will be selling its annual parking passes through HotSpot starting at 10 a.m. January 2.People will be able to purchase their permits through the Apple and Google apps, or via the HotSpot website.H...
15h ago
Read More
Housing Market Update
Local housing prices decline as sales slow
The North Okanagan housing market saw a bit of a slow down last month with one realtor saying the decline was more than usual for this time of year.The Association of Interior Realtors says there were 107 units sold in the latest reporting month, which was down 10.2 per cent from the sales recorded in November of 2024....
Dec 04, 2025
Read More
Alpine Opening Delay
SilverStar opening date pushed back, again
The local ski hill will not be opening this weekend.SilverStar Mountain Resort had planned to open it's alpine runs on November 28, but pushed the opening back to December 5.SilverStar said Wednesday, Dec. 3, that it would be pushing the opening back again due to poor snow conditions.The resort did not say when it plan...
Dec 03, 2025
Read More
more spaces
Kelowna to get 182 more child care spaces
More families in Kelowna will soon have access to affordable child care, with 182 new spaces coming to activity centres in Glenmore and Mission. The provincial and federal governments are investing more than $16 million to help lower costs and reduce waitlists. The new centres will serve children from infants to school...
Dec 03, 2025
Read More

What Matters

Climate Action Ripple Effect
CARE program re-branded to boost project impacts, reach
5h ago
Capital Project List
Over $39.5M in Greater Vernon capital projects planned for 2026
7h ago
Parking Permits
Vernon's parking pass to be sold through HotSpot in 2026
15h ago
Housing Market Update
Local housing prices decline as sales slow
Dec 04, 2025
B.C. Conservatives say 'professionally incapacitated' Rustad removed as leader
Dec 03, 2025