The Okanagan Science Centre’s Executive Director, Jim Swingle, has agreed to put himself at the mercy of his staff if this year’s Science Pub meets its fundraising goal.
The goal: raise 150 family memberships to distribute to low-income and refugee families in Vernon this holiday season. And if they hit their goal?
“Staff is cooking up a Fear Factor style torture for me,” said Swingle. “I’m hearing a lot of diabolical laughing, which suddenly stops when I enter the room.”
The Science Pub is Saturday, Nov. 25, from 7 – 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $28 at the door, available through EventBrite, the Okanagan Science Centre, or by calling 250-545-3644. The Science Pub will feature dancing, science activities including “pet the tarantula,” a range of new critters to meet, blind-folded gyro chair rides, and some new explosive demos that Head of Programming Kevin Aschenmeier created just for the event. Pub food is being provided by Basket Case Picnics and Catering, and the bar features Okanagan Spirits. Dr. Jaymie Matthews, a dynamic and humorous speaker on astrophysics, will be the guest speaker.
Vernon is the smallest city in Canada to have its own Science Centre. The Okanagan Science Centre offers a range of science programs, exhibits, and activities that many children across Canada would never be able to access without making long trips to a large urban centre. The OSC’s goal is that the children of Vernon grow up competitive for the growing job market in science and technology.
“And we want to make sure that all children of Vernon, regardless of economic means, participate in that future,” said Swingle
You can donate to the cause at the Science Pub, or online through the Okanagan Science Centre website www.okscience.ca. Family memberships will be distributed by the Salvation Army through their Christmas Hampers program and through Vernon and District Immigration Services.
The Okanagan Science Centre is a charitable non-profit organization. It has been inspiring kids and families with hands-on scientific exhibits, programs, and camps for over 25 years.
“Our goal is to make science fun and accessible for everyone.”
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