Buying chili on an autumn day in Vernon will help young victims of abuse and violence. 

A luncheon Wednesday will raise awareness and funds for the programs and services offered by Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Oak Centre).  

Oak Centre is the coordinating hub for the service, employing child and youth advocates and therapists, but does not have ongoing operational funding.

To help maintain this important service, the community is invited to a fundraising lunch Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP detachment, 3402 30th St. Proceeds will benefit the programs and services offered through Oak Centre.

Everyone is invited to enjoy a bowl of chili, bun, beverage and dessert for $12, while raising awareness and learning about the collaborative services Oak Centre provides.  

鈥淲e鈥檙e very proud of our relationship with the Oak Centre and everything they do for the most vulnerable among us,鈥� said Cpl. Ashley Fast of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP鈥檚 Special Victim鈥檚 Unit. 鈥淲e鈥檙e really excited to be part of this event and encourage everyone to come out. Together, and with your support, we can help ensure those in need receive the care, assistance, and protection they deserve.鈥� 

A partnership of local community agencies was formed in 2011 and, four years later, they opened Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Oak Centre) in Vernon. Oak Centre is now a well-established service in the North Okanagan with a committed group of agencies responding to abuse and violence against children and youth.

鈥淥ak Centre includes a partnership of multiple North Okanagan-based agencies who work together to provide a collaborative, wrap-around, response to children, youth, and their families, who have experienced abuse or sexual assault,鈥� said Brooke McLardy, Oak Centre director. 

The centre operates under the umbrella of Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and is a safe space where people ages 18 and younger can receive the support they need.

鈥淎buse and violence against children and youth can take many forms including physical, sexual and emotional abuse which can be perpetuated by either adults or peers," said McLardy. "Without proper supports, the long-term impacts of child abuse are far-reaching and can include substance use issues, homelessness, poverty, and ongoing struggles with mental health."

Luncheon guests can visit the Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition and Supply booth to meet team member Cirque, an accredited facility dog who works to support Oak Centre clients during interviews, meetings and court proceedings.

October is also Child Abuse Awareness month, so guests are encouraged to wear blue in support of the #GoBlueBC campaign and be entered in a draw for a door prize.  

Oak Centre encourages youth and children who have experienced or witnessed abuse or violence to to receive the help they need. To contact the centre,  or call 778-475-2920. Oak Centre is not a government contracted program, so relies on grants and fundraising to continue to provide coordinated services to the community. 

Home for Dinner Fresh & Frozen Take-Out Meals, Sweet Caroline鈥檚 Pastries & Cakes, Ratio Coffee & Pastry and Butcher Boys Grocery have contributed to the community luncheon meal. 

To learn more about other supportive services available for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the North Okanagan, visit .