As the nationwide postal strike approaches its fourth week, an innovative way to donate to the South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS) has emerged.

SOWINS has set up a "pop-up post office" at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre as it marks the start of the Share the Spirit of Giving Sponsor Family Event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

鈥淲e have seen a decline in donations and believe the postal strike is a large part of that," said Liz Gomes, executive director of SOWINS. "Many of our older donors are not comfortable with computers or donating online so with the mail service not being provided, we cannot receive their cheques."

Community members are invited to stop by on Tuesday for SOWINS' event, which marks the non-profit's largest fundraising campaign of the year. Each holiday season, the Penticton-based organization gathers to raise funds while sponsoring families that need support and building backpacks for those in the unhoused community. 

The "pop-up post office" will be open for people to drop off cash or cheque donations.

鈥淟ast year, we supported 109 families, provided 50 backpacks in the community, and raised much-needed funds,鈥� Gomes said.

鈥淭he pop-up post office event is a convenient way to drop off your monetary donation in person, ensuring it reaches local women, youth, and children at risk of violence and abuse.鈥�

SOWINS has served women, children, youth, and families facing abuse and violence across the region since 1981.

To donate, people can also visit