As the Lake Country Health Society approaches its 43rd year of service, it remains more committed than ever to filling critical gaps in healthcare and social services within the community.
The organization has steadily expanded its support for seniors to encompass a broader, more holistic approach to health,
Gearing up for its annual "Shine A Light" fundraising gala Sept. 12, the event is both a celebration of community and a vital push for much-needed resources.
"We've been here for nearly 43 years, and our focus has always been on supporting the well-being of our residents," says Brooke Beach, Program Manager at Lake Country Health.
"What started as helping seniors with house cleaning and meal deliveries has grown into mental health support, caregiver programs and even aspirations to open a community health service."
This year’s gala marks the third iteration of the event, which Beach says "keeps getting bigger and better every year."
Hosted at an elegant venue, guests are invited to don attire with a "touch of gold" for an evening that promises great local entertainment, gourmet dining and plenty of opportunities to give back.
"We’re thrilled to have local celebrities Josh and Bex performing this year. They really bring the energy that makes this night special," Beach says.
"The evening is about celebrating, creating awareness and fundraising for our programs that often struggle to stay afloat due to the competition for grants."
Lake Country, which has only one walk-in clinic, faces significant challenges in providing comprehensive healthcare to its residents. The lack of local resources has put pressure on Lake Country Health to expand its services, Beach says.
The goal is to support development of a new community healthcare centre, which would offer more accessible services for those who often have to travel long distances for care.
"Lake Country’s population is growing, but our resources aren’t keeping up. We see firsthand how much people need more accessible health and social services here," Beach says.
"A lot of people don’t know us until they’re in crisis. This gala is about introducing ourselves to those who might not realize how much we’re doing to fill the gaps."
The non-profit’s current offerings include free mental health peer support group, low-cost workshops on varying mental health topics, subsidized therapy session with a qualified expert, caregiver support programs, expanded programming for older adults like technology support, friendly calls/visits, subsidized low impact exercised class and even volunteer-run transportation for seniors who need help getting to appointments!
Many of these programs are sustained by volunteers and funded through small donations. "We’ve seen a lot of nonprofits close their doors over the past year because they couldn’t secure the funding needed to survive," Beach says. "Our gala is a chance to keep our programs running and expand to meet the growing needs of our community."
Gala tickets are available here. The organization also welcomes volunteers who want to get involved, with opportunities ranging from event help to ongoing program support.
"At the end of the day, our work is driven by the people we help. We’re here to make sure everyone has access to the support they need, regardless of their financial situation," Beach says.
The "Shine A Light" gala will kick off at 50th Parallel Estate Winery, 17101 Terrace View Rd, Lake Country BC 5:45 p.m. on Sept.12 with a cocktail hour, followed by a grand dinner.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit lakecountryhealth.ca.