Community spirit is alive and well throughout Kelowna and some amazing companies are stepping up to support health care workers, other local businesses, and the public. Below are some of the recent good deeds taking place in the city.
Helping those on the front lines
Kelowna-based distilleries are using their systems to help ease the shortage of essential cleaning supplies like hand sanitizer in the Okanagan. Wiseacre Farm Distillery, Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery, and Forbidden Spirits are all doing their part by using high proof ethanol (a by-product of making spirits) to create hand sanitizer and sanitizing surface sprays. These businesses are prioritizing distribution to those on the front lines and at-risk groups.
If you would like to support these businesses, check out their websites to get in touch and order their spirits.
Easing the burden on residents, while supporting local businesses
Those looking to order take out or delivery from restaurants in the Landmark District have got a helping hand from the Stober Group. The company is offering to cover 25% off meal purchases at local restaurants until April 15 to help offset the cost for customers while supporting the amazing businesses that make the area so vibrant. Restaurants included are:
- Dunnenzies
- Frankie, We Salute You!
- Freshii
- In 'N Out Market
- QB Gelato & Cafe
- Quesada
- The Sandwich Company
- Third Space Coffee
- Yellow Star Snack House
Saying thank you through food
When the notice for all bars to close was filed, Jack’s Liquor & Pizza had an abundance of unused pizza dough. And, instead of letting it go to waste, Chef James Holmes decided to use that dough to make pizza for the front line staff at the Kelowna General Hospital to let them know he, the restaurant, and the rest of the community are behind them. Supporting each other in any way we can during these uncertain times will be what helps gets us through. If you would like to support Chef James Holmes and the restaurants he works at, you can order pick up or delivery from Salt & Brick or Jack’s Liquor & Pizza.
For other restaurants offering take out and delivery, click here.
Buy a meal for healthcare workers
The Table at Codfather’s has an awesome initiative on now. To show your support of those on the front lines at the Kelowna General Hospital, you can pay $18 to get a one-piece fish & chips meal for yourself and one for a healthcare worker. It’s an easy way to show your support for someone you know, or a stranger that visits the restaurant for their next meal.
Order your meal to go from Codfather’s here.
Get those creative juices flowing & support those in need
AltiTunes had to postpone its inaugural music mountain festival at Big White Ski Resort; however, there is still a way to connect with one of the headlining bands, Arkells, and help those in need. Every day over Instagram, Max Kerman, the band’s lead singer, is giving lessons so the public can learn Arkells' songs. After watching the video, viewers are encouraged to post a video of themselves playing that song OR any other song or creative endeavour and use #FTCMusicClass. For each creative video uploaded with the hashtag, RBC will donate $100 to the food bank. Locally, AltiTunes will also organize contactless pickup of food donations from your front porch to donate to the food bank.
Keep an eye on the AltiTunes website for information on the rescheduled date and tickets.
The White Heart Project
The KGH Foundation has launched the White Heart Project. Every day healthcare workers are putting themselves at risk and working long hours to help those that have been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Let's show them support by hanging white hearts in our windows so they know we have their backs.
Find out more about the project, send a message, and download the template here.
A night to connect, unite, and nourish our community
During this time of physical distancing, it can be tough to know how to help those in our community while staying at home, but The Stay @ Home Gala presented by Valley First plans to change that. When you purchase a ticket to this online event you'll have the option of adding on a delicious take-out meal—or delivery if you get one of the limited number of delivery spots available from Current Taxi—from Start Fresh Kitchen, Beet 'N Boo's, or The Sandwich Company, plus be inspired by amazing guest speakers, with the evening rounding out with a keynote from Okanagan local, Lane Merrifield.
So, it's time to get dressed up and virtually mingle while supporting our community. Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://trellis.org/stay-at-home-gala
Together even when apart
Okanagan Lifestyle has always been about supporting the local community and the people that live here. With businesses doing their best to adapt to the changing circumstances, they have pulled together a great resource where you can purchase gift cards for your favourite Okanagan-based businesses. Click here to learn more.
There are many more amazing Kelowna businesses doing their part to help the community, spread good cheer and support those in need. We will continue to share these stories as a way to say "thank you," as we are all in this together.
