Kal Rotary online Dream Fund raises impressive sum | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kal Rotary online Dream Fund raises impressive sum

Representatives of Vernon Rotary Clubs, starting left: Angela Yablonski (Vernon Rotary), Dustin Stadnyk (Kalamalka Rotary), and Michael Wardlow (Silver Star Rotary) present the proceeds from fall fundraising to Anna Dawyd and Laurie Postill (Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail) to help create the Northern Gateway to Okanagan Rail Trail.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED:Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail

Even though the pandemic put a stop to the Kalamalka Rotary Dream Auction, the club still managed to raise an impressive $91,000 through its virtual fundraising efforts.

As of Nov. 21, the day the Kalamalka Rotary Dream Auction would have ordinarily gone ahead, the club had raised $91,318 and is leaving its Gofundme campaign open with the hope of receiving a total of $100,000 in donations.

"We knew that supporting community needs were more important than ever this year," Kal Rotary Dream Fund chair Brian Reid said in a media release. "Once again we experienced the generosity of Kal Rotarians, community businesses and individuals."

Over the last 35 years, Kal Rotary has donated more than $4.4 million to local and international non-profit organizations with its Rotary Dream Auction event raising huge amounts each year. In 2019, the gala raised a staggering $340,000.

"We knew this year was a difficult one for many businesses and we struggled with how to proceed, how even to ask for support," Kalamalka Rotary president Dustin Stadnyk said in a media release. "However the needs of the many outweighed our fears. So we made a pivot and reached out to all of you. And you generously answered the call.  You have supported us for the last 35 years in our desire to make dreams come true... We are so honoured to be part of a community that recognizes the power of strong partnerships."

Funds raised by Kal Rotary have gone to everything from helping to feed children in the North Okanagan to educational and health care projects overseas.

In September, Kal Rotary joined forces with the Silver Star Rotary and Vernon Rotary and held a large, socially distanced garage and bake sale. Together with funds from the Greater Vernon Museum, Funtastic Sports Society and BX Press Cidery the event raised $7400 for the Okanagan Rail Trail. The funds allowed the first phase of the Okanagan Rail Trail Km 0 trailhead project to proceed.

To donate to the Kalamalka Rotary Dream Fund 2020 go here.


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