Vernon book store supports the Okanagan’s most vulnerable

A Vernon charity book store took a page out of the giving handbook by sending much-needed support to a local outreach society.

Clary Lausnes, founder of the All Are Family Outreach Society (AAFOS), received a cheque for $1,000 from the Alpine Centre Bookwarehouse.

“We were absolutely thrilled. We’ve been struggling for so long and so hard just trying to keep our heads above water,” said Lausnes, whose outreach society supports struggling families from Armstrong to Kelowna.

It’s been a tough go for the AAFOS of late. Lausnes says donations to the society have been cut in half over the last year, and calls for support have tripled in the last four months.

“It’s skyrocketed to the point where we’re not sure we can continue operating because the load is so much, and we’re only a very small charity. With the donations not coming in, it’s kind of leaving us floundering,” she said.

The donation from the Bookwarehouse comes at an opportune time, as the society is looking to purchase a freeze dryer in the range of $5,000. The freeze dryer would help balance their food donations throughout the year; typically they receive more produce than they can handle during the summer and none during the winter.

“They’ve also supported a lot of other charities,” she added.

AAFOS is currently holding an online auction fundraiser on its website to raise money for its general operations. Bidding is open until April 29.

The outreach society is still fundraising for a new building to house its operations and is currently 14 per cent towards its goal of $5,000.

The AAFOS also recently received a donation of $6,000 worth of meat from Dueck Falkland Farms, which will go towards people in need of food security.