Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
Volunteers providing food to the unhoused in Vernon (Image Credit: Packman Open Hearts / Facebook)
By Liam Verster
Online Fundraiser

Fundraiser launched for a local group’s homeless support outreach vehicle

Mar 23, 2026 | 11:44 AM

A local organization that helps people in need is raising money for a new vehicle.

Packman Open Hearts is a Vernon-based organization that provides warm meals, clothing, hygiene supplies and connections to people experiencing homelessness.

However, their vehicle, which the group uses to reach those in need, is no longer reliable.

A GoFundMe has been launched to support the group by purchasing a new outreach vehicle, as well as covering the insurance and fuel costs.

People interested in supporting the group and the purchase of their new vehicle can donate to the GoFundMe online here.

Targeted Incident
No injuries in shooting that resulted in arrest in Vernon
10m ago
Wildfire Risk Reduction
Pile burn to cause smoke to rise near Monte Lake
1h ago
Equipment Failure
No injuries after emergency landing at Vernon airport
3h ago

The online fundraiser looks to raise $5,000 through the GoFundMe, and as of time of publication a total of $690 had been raised.

by Liam Verster
View Comments

Other Matters

Targeted Incident
No injuries in shooting that resulted in arrest in Vernon
Police had to force their way into a house following a shooting incident in a Vernon park Friday evening.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said they received a report of a potential shooting at Civic Memorial Park at around 5:45 p.m. March 20.Two men who knew each other met at the park before a fight broke out. The suspect al...
14m ago
Read More
Wildfire Risk Reduction
Pile burn to cause smoke to rise near Monte Lake
A significant wildfire mitigation project will be see smoke rising in the Monte Lake area.The B.C. Wildfire Service said it will be collecting and burning roughly 100 piles of fire fuels from the area.This work will allow for the disposal of fire fuels, including burnt, damaged and felled trees, as well as provide trai...
1h ago
Read More
Online Fundraiser
Fundraiser launched for a local group's homeless support outreach vehicle
A local organization that helps people in need is raising money for a new vehicle.Packman Open Hearts is a Vernon-based organization that provides warm meals, clothing, hygiene supplies and connections to people experiencing homelessness.However, their vehicle, which the group uses to reach those in need, is no longer ...
1h ago
Read More
Post-Secondary Education Support
Bursaries on offer for local students exploring Performing Arts studies
The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre is lending its support to local youths looking to explore studies in the arts. The Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) opened applications for its Performing Arts Bursary Program, with a total of $3,000 on offer to help high schoolers and those already enrolled in post-secondar...
2h ago
Read More
Playoff Bound
Rockets meet Blazers in opening round of WHL Playoffs
The Kelowna Rockets are set to open the WHL playoffs against a familiar rival, the Kamloops Blazers.The team announced its first round schedule Monday, with Games 1 and 2 set for Prospera Place on March 27 and 28 before the series shifts to Kamloops.The matchup adds another chapter to a long running playoff rivalry bet...
2h ago
Read More
Rider Rescued
ATV rider rescued near Fur Brigade trail above Peachland
Search and rescue crews worked quickly Saturday afternoon to get an injured ATV rider off a trail above Peachland.At 2:30 p.m., COSAR, PenSAR and VSAR were called to the Fur Brigade trail. Ground teams moved in right away while Air Rescue 1 flew in an advanced life support paramedic to help.COSAR said on social media t...
3h ago
Read More
Significant Damage
Two West Kelowna homes destroyed in Sunday morning fires
Fire crews responded to two separate house fires in West Kelowna Sunday morning, both of which appear to be accidental, according to city officials.The first fire broke out just after 5 a.m. in the Sunnyside neighbourhood, where firefighters found a single-family home fully engulfed in flames. While crews were still ba...
3h ago
Read More
Equipment Failure
No injuries after emergency landing at Vernon airport
A small aircraft had to make an emergency landing at the Vernon Regional Airport Saturday.According to the City of Vernon, a privately registered twin-engine plane experienced mechanical issues with its nose landing gear.Emergency teams were dispatched to the airport and awaited the plane's arrival, which landed safely...
3h ago
Read More
3,500 Unit Development
Revised Commonage development proposal coming back before council
The re-written plan for a multi-thousand housing unit development in the Commonage area is coming back before Vernon City Council.The developer, Kerkhoff Develop-Build, was originally proposing a development consisting of 4,000 housing units, 1,800 of which would be attainably prices.After receiving feedback from the p...
7h ago
Read More

What Matters

Targeted Incident
No injuries in shooting that resulted in arrest in Vernon
10m ago
Wildfire Risk Reduction
Pile burn to cause smoke to rise near Monte Lake
1h ago
Equipment Failure
No injuries after emergency landing at Vernon airport
3h ago
3,500 Unit Development
Revised Commonage development proposal coming back before council
7h ago
258 Net New Homes
Vernon's first housing target nearly hit after just six months
Mar 20, 2026