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Vernon kindness meter (photo / Vernon Matters)
By Kevin Rothwell
Donations down-Kindness up

Kindness prevails despite lower donations

Feb 8, 2021 | 4:32 PM

Archway Society for Domestic Peace, formerly Vernon Women’s Transition House, will be the recipient of funds collected from the downtown Vernon kindness meter program.

Donations were down in 2020 with just $386 collected.

Coun. Kari Gares told council she would match the donation and Mayor Victor Cumming indicated he would also top up the gift.

The kindness meters were originally installed in 2016, as a way to curb panhandling and to still allow people to help those in need.

Recipients have included the Salvation Army Food Bank, Upper Room Mission, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society and the Vernon Community Dental Access centre.

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Donations have steadily declined since the meters were installed with $1,863 in 2016, $1,799 in 2017, $672 in 2018 and $711 in 2019.

Staff made several recommendations including the Archway Society for Domestic Peace, Turning Points Collaborative Society, Vernon and District Hospice Society.

Coun. Akbal Mund moved that Archway should receive the money.

by Kevin Rothwell
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