The success of December meat draws at the Army and Navy in Vernon was great news for five North Okanagan charities.
The Army and Navy Airforce Veterans Spitfire Unit #5 (ANAF) hosts weekly meat draws on Saturdays to raise funds for community organizations and the immense success last year led to additional funds given out.
The Canadian Mental Health Association, North Okanagan Hospice Society, Okanagan Military Tattoo, Southern Interior Veterans Society and Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation all received $1,000 from the ANAF.
“After we had done the math, more contributions came in December from the meat draw revenue,” said ANAF president Erwin Ruf. “We came up with another $5,000 to give to five groups, which is a total of $37,000 to 18 groups for 2023.”
Along with the popular meat draw (which is from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays), the ANAF also has a 50/50 draw. Ruf is looking to expand the draws in 2024, which will “bring in more contributions for our community and social programs.”
Four of the groups had previously received funding, when ANAF donated $21,500 back in November. This was the first donation ever to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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