The Vernon community desperately wants more affordable rental housing, as demonstrated by a whirlwind day of fundraising for the Okanagan Village Housing Society (OKVHS). 

In just one day, the society's A Place to Call Home fundraising campaign raised close to $20,000. 

This marks a significant step towards the $80,000 goal for the society's matching campaign, which will directly support the development of 96 affordable rental units at 6545 Okanagan Landing Rd. 

A highlight of the day was a $5,370 donations from the Vernon Salt Fowler real estate team, presented by Glenn Beach and Christie King to Cindy Masters, executive director of OKVHS. 

Lisa Salt, a realtor with over 30 years of experience in Vernon and a member of OKVHS's board of directors and fundraising committee, shared her team's motivation: "As a long-time realtor, I鈥檝e seen firsthand the changes in housing affordability in Vernon. I joined the board of directors and the fundraising committee for OKVHS to be part of the solution. Our entire team donates a portion of each commission cheque to charity, and we couldn鈥檛 think of a better cause to support in 2024 than A Place to Call Home.鈥�

The campaign's success is based on contributions from businesses and individuals who see the importance of affordable housing, and Masters described the emotional moments she's experienced during the campaign. 

"My heart just grew. I had been picking up donations, receiving calls from people asking how to give, and watching donations come in through Canada Helps. A long-time tenant walked in with tears in her eyes. She said it wasn鈥檛 much, but she wanted the society to have it so we could continue helping people like herself. With tears in my eyes, I shared what I have always believed: every dollar makes a difference," Masters said.

OKVHS is a Vernon-based registered charity that looks to address the critical need for affordable housing in the North Okanagan. The society works to provide stable rental housing at and below market for low to moderate income individuals, families and seniors.

The matching campaign is still open and donations made now will be doubled, thanks to an $80,000 matching fund. People are encouraged to donate online through or contact Masters directly at OKVHS (250-545-6475) to contribute.