'Tis the season to shop local even more.
By supporting local businesses during the upcoming festive season, you can also help children with special needs through the North Okanagan Neurological Association's (NONA) Lights for Kids, and the John Christmas Light Tour 2024.
The NONA Lights for Kids and John Christmas Light Tour are collaborating with several local businesses in support of the children served by NONA in the North-Okanagan community.
“We were thrilled with the success of last year's Shop Local event, and we are grateful to have such incredible local businesses supporting NONA again this year,” said Helen Armstrong, NONA's executive director.
One highly anticipated event this holiday season is photos with Santa at Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden. Following the success of last year, the local business is expanding the event to include even more dates this year, with a special pet-friendly session on Sunday, Nov. 24, where you can bring your furry friends to join in the fun
The Shop Local lineup is as follows:
• Nov. 24 – Photos with Santa and your pet at Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden. Cats and dogs only. By donation – includes one free digital download. Enter through the back gate. All donations support NONA;
• Dec. 1 and 8 – Photos with Santa at Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden. By donation. Includes one free digital download. All donations support NONA;
• Nov. 30, Dec. 1 – Kaleco Clothing – Five per cent of all sales will be donated to NONA;
• Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Ratio – NONA Doughnut available every Friday this December. $1 from each doughnut is donated to NONA;
• Dec. 7 – Teeter Totter Toys – Shop for Christmas gifts. Five per cent of all sales will be donated to NONA;
• Dec. 7 – Chicken Little – 10 per cent of all sales will be donated to NONA;
• Dec. 12 – The Starting Block – Meet at 5:45 p.m. at The Starting Block. Participants will run, walk, or shuffle to Polson Park, do laps around the track until 6:45 pm, and return to the store for holiday treats, by donation;
• Dec. 1–31 – Match Eatery & Public House – $1 from each dessert will be donated to NONA.
These Shop Local events complement the annual NONA Lights for Kids with the John Christmas Light Tour 2024, running from Dec. 1-31. Participants can enjoy the festive holiday season by touring Christmas light displays across Vernon, Coldstream, and Armstrong.
"Thank you to our community and local businesses for your continued support and generosity," said Armstrong. "Together, we can make the holiday season brighter for children in the North Okanagan."
Every year, more than 850 children and families receive services from NONA. Services include speech therapy, infant development, autism services, and many more.
