Empty Bowls and Baskets Virtual Fundraiser

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As the days grow shorter we are reminded that the holiday season is just around the corner. For many, it’s a time of warmth and celebration, but for countless families and individuals in our community, this season brings added challenges. The rising cost of living and ongoing personal struggles continue to weigh heavily on many, and the demand for support has only intensified as the year progresses.

This is why we are reaching out to you once again. Thanks to your incredible generosity, last year’s
Empty Bowls and Baskets fundraiser raised $68,000, with every dollar staying right here in our community. Your contributions allowed us to make a tangible impact by supporting vital, yet underfunded programs that provide critical assistance to those in need.

Previously, we were blessed with a generous donor who matched our fundraising efforts, but this year we are solely relying on the support of our community members. Your contribution, no matter how small can go a long way in making a difference. Just by redirecting your coffee money for one week, you can provide essential services such as meals for seniors, transportation to medical appointments and nutritious meals for families in need. We urge you to consider putting your spare change in a jar in support of Desert Sun for the next six weeks. Together, we can create a significant impact and improve the lives of those in need in our community. We understand that times are challenging for many, and we are deeply grateful for any contribution, big or small.

From November 1st to December 31st, we will be hosting our 5th Annual Empty Bowls and Baskets
Fundraiser. Our target is to raise $75,000, and as always, every dollar will stay within Oliver, Osoyoos, and OK Falls, directly benefiting local children, families, and individuals who need our support the most.

You can choose to direct your donation to a specific Desert Sun program or entrust us to allocate it where the need is greatest. Your generosity has a profound impact, providing hope and much-needed support to those facing hardship.

Wishing you and your family a warm and joyful holiday season, and with heartfelt thanks for your
ongoing support,

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

You can donate to a program by purchasing empty bowls at the bottom of the program's page. Here is a list of our programs.

Crisis Help

Women’s CRISIS LINE

Support for women in crisis. We have trained staff answering the crisis line 24/7 to provide a listening ear and referral services to women and children in need.

Cindy Taylor SAFE HOME

Offers temporary shelter for women and children fleeing abuse or being victimized by threats and intimidation.

Counselling

Child/Youth Counselling

Desert Sun operates three counselling programs for children aged 3 to 18. Counselling is provided free of charge on a self-referral or parent/teacher referral basis.

Men's Counselling

Individual and group counselling for men struggling with anxiety, stress, work-related or personal and relationship issues.

Women’s Counselling

Individual and group counselling for women who have experienced sexual assault, violence in relationships or childhood abuse.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Community Outreach is a Desert Sun service that provides: Information, Referral Services, Advocacy, Support and Assistance.

Affordable Housing

Affordable housing

In partnership with B.C. Housing, we currently operate 18 units of affordable housing in Oliver.

Parents

Community Kitchen

Our Community Kitchen Program aims to help educate families about healthy eating, grocery budgeting, cooking techniques and more in a fun and social environment.

Mother Goose Program

A group experience for parents and children ages 18 months to 3 years focusing on the power of using rhymes, songs and stories.

Early Years

A place for parents/caregivers to meet and share their parenting concerns.

Parenting Skills at O.C.C.

Two facilitators from our agency deliver a Parenting Skills Program to Inmates at the Okanagan Correctional Centre.

DS Cooks

A place for parents/caregivers to meet and share their parenting concerns while learning and cooking nutritious meals together in our teaching kitchen.

Circle of Security

Our Circle of Security program is offered to parents/caregivers who want to strengthen healthy attachments with their children and help their children build secure relationships.

Seniors

Better at Home independent seniors

At Home is a program designed to help seniors remain independent at home through professional and volunteer support.

Therapeutic Activation Programs for Seniors (TAPS)

Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors, commonly known as TAPS, is a wellness program located in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls.

Other Services

Men's Shed

A friendly gathering place for men where they get together for activities such as woodworking, mechanical projects, cooking, playing Jenga and cards, and watching sports.

Computer Tutor

Providing free lessons to anyone who wants to learn basic computer skills.

Roots of Empathy

Roots of Empathy is a program that links a newborn baby and his/her parent/caregiver to a primary school classroom for a school year.

Tablet Lending Library

The Tablet Lending Library was designed for seniors in isolation, low-income families and new immigrants living in the Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls areas. It allows them to connect with friends, family, government agencies and the business community.

For Children

FEARLESSLY FACING FORWARD CAMP

Summer Camp for children ages 8-12, offered for one week in Osoyoos and one week in Oliver.

Youth Shelter

Desert Sun provides youth at risk of homelessness with a safe, supportive living environment where we encourage them to continue with their schooling, find an after-school job while we take on the role of a supportive parent.

PEACE Program

The Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE) Program is a free, confidential program for children and youth aged 3 to 18 who have experienced violence.

Community Lift Program

This service aims to make transportation more accessible for medical appointments and community resources.