Women and Wine a huge success!

The 12th annual Women and Wine Open House was bigger and better than ever this year. Check out the picture below-- it was like that all day!

The event at Cedar Creek Estate Winery on Sunday, Nov. 22 was so packed that cars were parked up and down Lakeshore Road. The three buildings offered a selection of amazing local vendors, tasty treats and delicious wine.

The open house raised nearly $4000 and we returned with a van full of donations. Thank you to everyone who gave clothes, food and gift cards. We had a blast celebrating the season with you and appreciate the incredible support for the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Women and Wine Open House

We have exciting news from our friends at Cedar Creek Estate Winery-- they've chosen us to be their charity of choice again at this year's Women and Wine Open House!

The 12th anniversary of the ladies-only event takes place Sunday, November 22 from 1-4 p.m.

Participants will get to enjoy complimentary wine tastings, delicious treats as well as artisan booths featuring local crafts and a raffle. You don't want to miss this!

You'll also receive 15% off wine on purchases of two bottles or more.

Admission is by donation to the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

Cedar Creek Estate Winery is located at 5445 Lakeshore Rd. For more information, call: 778-738-1027.

Thanks so much again, Cedar Creek. We can't wait to come enjoy a glass of wine with you!

Support the shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market

Start your Christmas shopping early this weekend and support the Kelowna Women's Shelter at the Red Barn Artisan Market!

The holiday sale takes place this Saturday, November 7th from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. The market will be located at Okanagan Mission Hall at 4409 Lakeshore Road in Kelowna.


The free sale will showcase some of the region's best artisans and local crafts. There will also be a number of local non-profits providing information and kids' crafts.

The Kelowna Women's Shelter will have an awareness table, along with a free raffle and donation bin. We will also be giving out kids' activity books.

Visit the event's Facebook page here for more information. We're grateful for your continued support.

National Philanthropy Day Luncheon

We are getting ready to thank some of our most generous supporters at Kelowna's first annual National Philanthropy Day luncheon. 

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Okanagan Chapter is hosting the lunch at the Harvest Golf Club on Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $35 per person or $350 for a table of eight. 

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is looking forward to thanking a number of groups and individuals for their wonderful contributions to the shelter over the last several years.

Philanthropy is "the love of humankind," and National Philanthropy Day-- Nov. 15-- is the day that thousands of people around the world come together to put the word into  action and recognize the change that philanthropy has brought to our communities. In 2012, Canada officially recognized National Philanthropy Day permanently, setting a new model for countries around the globe.

The awards luncheon will honour and acknowledge outstanding achievements by individuals, foundations, corporations, fundraising volunteers and non-profit organizations who contribute their time, talents, financial support and other resources to our community.

Thank you in advance to all of our amazing supporters-- see you there!

2nd annual United Way bus pull

Twelve teams competed on Thursday, pulling city buses along Kelowna's Bernard Avenue as part of the annual Pulling for My Community event for the United Way.

The second annual bus pull raised more than $13, 775 for the United Way's 2015 campaign.

Pictured is Kathleen Lemieux, resource development coordinator for the Kelowna Women's Shelter, along with Duane English and Wesla Wong of Global Okanagan, and Christy Webb from Sun Life Financial. 

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is a community partner and receives funding from the United Way. 

We are grateful to all who donated- thank you for your continued support!

Donate to the shelter at Shopper's Drug Mart

The Kelowna Women's Shelter is once again partnering with Shopper's Drug Mart to raise funds in support of women's health through the annual Growing Women's Health (formerly Tree of Life) campaign.

From September 12 through October 9, donations made at seven Shopper's Drug Mart locations in Kelowna will go directly to the shelter. Last year's campaign raised nearly $27,000, including $9,500 from a single store in Rutland.

The Growing Women's Health campaign provides much-needed funding for 490 women's health charities and organizations across Canada. Make a difference and support women's health with donations of $1, $5, $10 or $50. 

The campaign kicked off this week and continues for three more weeks -- so now's the time to go to your local Shopper's, buy that item you've been thinking of and help a local woman in need. 

On behalf of the Kelowna Women's Shelter and all of the women you are supporting, thank you!

Beer & Burger Night for the Kelowna Women's Shelter

If you enjoy burgers and beer, we've got just the event for you this month.

On Thursday, Sept. 24 join us for Beer & Burger Night at Rose's Pub in support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter. Tickets are $20 and include your choice of a beef, chicken or veggie burger and a pint of beer or glass of wine.

The event is hosted by Shopper's Drug Mart #2217 at Plaza 33 and all proceeds to go the shelter. The dinner runs from 6-9 p.m. at Rose's Pub at 1352 Water Street.

Call Kathleen Lemieux for tickets at 778-478-7774. Tickets are also available at the door.

Volunteer at the Kelowna Women's Shelter

Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Come out to the Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair on Sept. 19 for details on how to help out at the Kelowna Women's Shelter.

We're always looking for dedicated people to support the work we do at the shelter. Right now we have more than 300 volunteers doing everything from childcare and house-cleaning, to administrative work, social media and special events. We couldn't do what we do without the amazing work of our volunteers.

The upcoming fair will showcase dozens of local non-profit organizations who are currently looking for volunteers. Come swing by and say hello at our Kelowna Women's Shelter booth!

The Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities Fair takes place Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre. The free event runs from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

Looking forward to seeing you there. Maybe we'll work together soon!

Gender equality activist/ author hosts Kelowna talks

An internationally-renowned American educator, author, filmmaker and cultural theorist is coming to Kelowna for three speaking events on gender violence this fall.

Dr. Jackson Katz co-founded the Mentors in Violence Prevention program at Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society. He is widely recognized as one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists.

Dr. Katz will discuss how everyone can play a role in preventing and interrupting various forms of harassment and abuse. Here are details about the upcoming lectures:

OCT. 7 -- Evening Talk at Okanagan College: Gender on the Agenda- the Socialization of Girls and Boys in a Culture of Violence
7-9 p.m. at Okanagan College Theatre
Tickets $20, $15 for students.

OCT. 8 -- Leadership Breakfast: Violence and Silence Community Leadership Breakfast
7:30-10 a.m. at the Coast Capri Hotel
Tickets $35

OCT. 8 -- Student Presentation: Blurred Lines: Violence in Media and Real Life
Free for schools
Presented by the Kelowna Women's Shelter "Inside/ Out Violence Prevention for Youth" program

You're also invited to the premiere of "The Mask You Live In" on Sept. 30. The film explores how America's narrow definition of masculinity is harming boys, men and society at large.

For more information about any of the events or to purchase tickets, call 250-763-4613.

Ladies 2-ball in support of the shelter

Want to enjoy the last few days of our Okanagan summer? Come out for a ladies 2-ball golf tournament in support of the Kelowna Women's Shelter!

The morning tournament takes place at Two Eagles Golf Course in West Kelowna on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Golf starts at 9 a.m. with a lunch following your game.

Tickets are $160 per team or $80 per player. Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, a power cart, range balls, lunch and fabulous prizes. 

What is 2-ball, you ask? It's a match played between two pairs, with each member of the pair taking alternate shots. 

For more information or to register, call 250-768-0080. You can also email kims@twoeaglesgolf.com.