Community

Penticton Bylaw officer Glenn Smith, as well as resident Zak Laycock (not pictured), received the Governor General Award from the Royal Canadian Humane Association to recognize their heroism in a summer 2019 incident. (Contributed)

Bylaw officer and Penticton resident given awards for intervening in sexual assault

Bylaw officer Glenn Smith said he was simply in the right place at the right time

 

Quinisco Blue Coyne was born Dec. 20, 2020, at Penticton General Hospital. Photo contributed

Princeton’s ‘first family’ grows by eight pounds, eight ounces

Quin Blue Coyne already has at least 1,000 relatives

 

Gord Portman, 47, was awarded by the Royal Canadian Humane Association for his role in helping to save two people from a Penticton house fire in March. (Jesse Day - Western News)

Penticton man recognized with Canadian bravery award for intervening in house fire

Gord Portman will look to continue his life-saving ways after the fire inspired him to get sober

 

In 2020, the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan has distributed more than $1 million in grants to local charities.

Community Foundation distributes $1 million in grants

Collaborative approach leverages funds for the North Okanagan

  • Dec 14, 2020
In 2020, the Community Foundation of the North Okanagan has distributed more than $1 million in grants to local charities.
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.

Double-lung transplant saves father after lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis

This holiday season Angel donations will help fund the most urgent health care needs

  • Dec 14, 2020
After living with cystic fibrosis his entire life, Nick Kanaan required a double-lung transplant. Today, he honours Dr. John Yee and the medical team at VGH who helped save his life.
Steve McKenzie, Lynda Jones Layng and Lisa Spalding have been braving the cold waters of Okanagan Lake every morning. (Brennan Phillips - Western News)

Near freezing temperatures won’t keep these South Okanagan swimmers out of the lake

The trio of swimmers have been swimming in Okanagan Lake since the community centre pool closed

Steve McKenzie, Lynda Jones Layng and Lisa Spalding have been braving the cold waters of Okanagan Lake every morning. (Brennan Phillips - Western News)
Lights are in place at Rotary Pier in Summerland. The lighting work is part of an initiative to light up the route of the Giants Head Grind. (Contributed)

Organizers lighting route of Giants Head Grind in Summerland

Lighting initiative to begin at Okanagan Lake this year

Lights are in place at Rotary Pier in Summerland. The lighting work is part of an initiative to light up the route of the Giants Head Grind. (Contributed)
Vernon’s Terry Konopada changed his life after a mild heart attack and re-entered the employment world courtesy of help and support from WorkBC. (Photo submitted)

Terry of All Trades: Vernon man finds the right fit

After some health issues, Terry Konopada turned his life around with help and support from WorkBC

Vernon’s Terry Konopada changed his life after a mild heart attack and re-entered the employment world courtesy of help and support from WorkBC. (Photo submitted)
Penticton City Staff will recommend to council in their Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting that the city extend a pilot project to allow open consumption of alcohol on some beaches through summer 2021. (BC Ale Trail photo)

Legal beach drinks could return to Penticton next summer

Penticton was one of three B.C. communities to allow open alcohol in some public spaces this summer

Penticton City Staff will recommend to council in their Tuesday, Nov. 17 meeting that the city extend a pilot project to allow open consumption of alcohol on some beaches through summer 2021. (BC Ale Trail photo)
Penticton man Rylan Hernberg will spend all of World Kindness Day, Nov. 9, 2020 performing acts of kindness such as giving flowers, coffee, a smile and much more just to brighten the day of strangers. (Contributed)

Penticton man goes all out to celebrate World Kindness Day

Nov. 13 is World Kindness Day

Penticton man Rylan Hernberg will spend all of World Kindness Day, Nov. 9, 2020 performing acts of kindness such as giving flowers, coffee, a smile and much more just to brighten the day of strangers. (Contributed)
Ms. V’s Outdoor Exploration Centre, a new space at Pearson Road Elementary School, was officially opened Nov. 6. (Phil McLachlan - Capital News)

‘A beautiful dedication to a beautiful person’; Okanagan school opens new outdoor space

Pearson Road Elementary opens new space in honour of Isabel Alves-Vicente, currently fighting ALS

Ms. V’s Outdoor Exploration Centre, a new space at Pearson Road Elementary School, was officially opened Nov. 6. (Phil McLachlan - Capital News)
Penticton couple Scott and Jessica Tregoning have an Oct. 15, 2020 Zoom meeting with a local fertility clinic. (Contributed)

Penticton couple seek help to cover surrogacy costs

After losing two babies, the Tregonings have reached out to the community for assistance

Penticton couple Scott and Jessica Tregoning have an Oct. 15, 2020 Zoom meeting with a local fertility clinic. (Contributed)
Better Together works

Better Together works

Community Foundation leverages support to deploy $600,000 for local charities

  • Oct 12, 2020
Better Together works
Trayce Bennett, 12, has been in and out of BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, struggling with severe health issues since he was three months old. A GoFundMe page has been started to help his mother cope with the financial impact of his illnesses. (Contributed)

Community supports mother of Okanagan boy battling severe illnesses

Trayce Bennett, 12, has been in and out of BC Children’s Hospital since he was three months old

Trayce Bennett, 12, has been in and out of BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, struggling with severe health issues since he was three months old. A GoFundMe page has been started to help his mother cope with the financial impact of his illnesses. (Contributed)
Avid walker George Doi of Langley celebrated a milestone on Sept. 17, when he completed a virtual walk around the world (Special to Langley Advance Times)

A (virtual) walk around the world by 88-year-old B.C. man

George Doi says it’s simple: ‘I like walking’

Avid walker George Doi of Langley celebrated a milestone on Sept. 17, when he completed a virtual walk around the world (Special to Langley Advance Times)
The Pedersen family is thrilled to win Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice award for their Desert Model Railroad attraction in Osoyoos. (contributed photo)

Osoyoos model train attraction wins Tripadvisor award

Desert Model Railroad wins nod for Traveller’s Choice

The Pedersen family is thrilled to win Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice award for their Desert Model Railroad attraction in Osoyoos. (contributed photo)
Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies

Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies

Litter may be one of the biggest ever

Vancouver Island family overwhelmed with 14 Lab puppies
COVID crushes Vernon spelling bee buzz, teams needed for new fundraiser

COVID crushes Vernon spelling bee buzz, teams needed for new fundraiser

Trivia night Sept. 22 can support local literacy

COVID crushes Vernon spelling bee buzz, teams needed for new fundraiser
George Elliot Secondary grad council Class of 2020 representative Aidan McLane (right) presents $1,000 on behalf of the council to Foundry Kelowna representatives Shari Slattery (from left), Henry the facility dog and CJ LeBlanc. (Photo submitted)

Lake Country grads help fellow youth with donation

George Elliot Secondary Grad Council 2020 donates $1,000 to Foundry Kelowna for youth, mental health

George Elliot Secondary grad council Class of 2020 representative Aidan McLane (right) presents $1,000 on behalf of the council to Foundry Kelowna representatives Shari Slattery (from left), Henry the facility dog and CJ LeBlanc. (Photo submitted)
(Contributed)

Keremeos children’s author aims to normalize disabilities with new book

Gus Gets Going tells the story of a boy who uses a wheelchair living life to the fullest

(Contributed)