INN FROM THE COLD
MEDIA RELEASE: for immediate release
For more information contact: Leanne Hammond Komori Phone 861-6160
Central Okanagan Foundation makes Season Warmer
While the Christmas Season brings joy and warmth to the hearts of most of us, it is a cold time of year for those less fortunate in our community. For the homeless, this time of year can be downright dangerous.
One special charitable organization makes it their business to make sure the homeless are neither forgotten nor left out in the cold. The group calls themselves Inn From the Cold, and their mission is simple; to offer a warm meal and a safe place to sleep for a night. With the help of a grant from the Central Okanagan Foundation (COF), Inn From the Cold brings an average of 30 people per night off the streets to the Holy Spirit Church in Rutland. While a meal and a place to sleep may be taken for granted by most of us, it makes a world of difference to those in need. The group also keeps 2 spaces available should someone be discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go. As volunteer and charity organizer Heather Karabelas explains, “There’s always room at the Inn.”
This week, the Central Okanagan Foundation has distributed over $100, 000 to various charitable groups working to improve the quality of life in our community. The COF plays a critical role in the health of a community’s charitable sector. The Central Okanagan Foundation has been distributing much needed funds since its inception in 1977. The Foundation supports not-for-profit groups in two key ways: by providing much needed grants to support charity services or projects on an annual basis, as well as fostering long-term savings through the establishment of endowment funds with charitable beneficiaries.
To find out more about Inn from the Cold contact Reverend Heather Karabelas karabelas@telus.net or 764-2718.
To find out more about the Central Okanagan Foundation, contact Leanne Hammond Komori at the Foundation office 861-6160 or check out their website at CentralOkanaganFoundation.org.