On the First Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful to our program participants and other community members who share their stories, in order to reduce stigma and help make others feel accepted.
Here’s Sheldon’s story:
On the Second Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
Shoutout to Cookie Reimer, who has volunteered since the agency’s inception in 1992. We’re grateful for her continuous support to ASK in everything we do, particularly in the time and energy put towards our AIDS awareness initiatives. Every year, she helps lead ASK’s AIDS Walk for Life and the World AIDS Day Gathering. This year, she helped raise $3,075 towards ASK’s Health Navigation and SHOP Programs. Cookie is our local hero and we’re eternally grateful for all that she is.
On the Third Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the generous donation made by Marlin, Al, and Jerry, in Memory of their brother, Jim Newbery. “Jimmy” was a long-time volunteer of ASK’s Outreach and Overdose Prevention programs, who sadly passed away on September 29, 2022. Jimmy was very well known among the North Shore community, including by the @NSBIA, for his kindness and generosity. It was always important to Jim to check on others in need throughout the community, and to ensure that people were warm and fed. For that reason, his family chose to donate to the ODP and Outreach programs to access local food and winter items, such as gloves, blankets, socks, and toques, for those in the neighbourhood who need them.
We thank the family for their kindness, in his honour.
On the Fourth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the generosity of Lori Lavoie from the Groove. Lori looks to “fill the gaps” in community and support people in need through food, outreach and advocacy. Lori has learned the magic of working together and has collaborated with other businesses and agencies, including the Mustard Seed, Salvation Army, Thrift Cellar, SPCA and Second Chances Thrift, Kamloops Food Bank, Pizza Now, and Flutterbies.
Lori is a true community advocate who has also networked across the city of Kamloops to various grocery stores to generously donate food and care items. She believes in being part of the solution and in meeting people where they are at, in order to help get them to where they need and want to be. Thank you, Lori, for the endless food, joy, and support that you bring to our program participants. You are one of a kind!
On the Fifth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the thoughtfulness of our local neighbours and community members who have recently donated winter clothing, blankets, and other survival items. We have received many donations throughout the last month across Kamloops, Penticton, and Merritt, to help those living outside stay warm. You have not only kept folks warm, but you also helped provide care and hope. Thank you!
On the Sixth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for our local Indigenous leaders and communities on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc, Syilx tmixʷ and Nłeʔkepmx Tmيxʷ Nations, as well as our local municipalities, staff, mayors, and council members at the @City of Kamloops, @the City of Merritt, and @the City of Penticton. We thank you for caring for these lands and for the governing of both the lands and the people who live on them. We also appreciate your thoughtful recognition and support of the efforts of our staff. We recognize the tireless efforts you demonstrate to support ASK Wellness Society and other Non-Profits, local businesses, and the community at large. Kukwstsétsemc.
On the Seventh Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the family and friends of Thomas Jay (TJ) Finnen, who have donated to ASK Wellness Society in his honour. TJ is fondly remembered by ASK staff for his unforgettable smile that would light up during any interaction with a dog. In turn, he made the staff smile every time he sat down and played the piano. Throughout this past year, ASK has received $1,000 of monetary donations in TJ’s name. We are grateful to TJ’s family for their thoughtful consideration of the agency during a very difficult time.
On the Eight Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
Today is International Solidarity Day – a day to celebrate our unity in diversity, while encouraging new initiatives for poverty eradication around the globe. At ASK, we recognize that it is through working together that we are able to make the largest impacts. We are thrilled to give a shoutout to both our funders and our local community partners, who we work alongside in solidarity in order to support the most marginalized members of our community.
On the Ninth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the ongoing support and generosity of an anonymous group of givers who helped spread the cheer! This group coordinated the creation of 300 holiday gift bags for people who use our services. 300 people in our community will have the joy of receiving much needed items, thanks to their kindness.
On the Tenth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for our volunteers who give their time for the benefit of our organization!
On the Eleventh Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for the donors throughout the past year(s) who have wished to remain anonymous in their giving. Your humble generosity has helped support our employment program efforts, including extending the life cycle of our Penticton Peer Ambassador Program. These programs allow individuals with barriers to employment the opportunity for job experience, skill development, and community engagement. Thank you for being a part of giving this gift to people, in order to ultimately allow them to give back to their community.
Check out the Penticton Peer Ambassador Program and the impact it has had on participants…
On the Twelfth Day of Gratitude, ASK shouted out to thee…
We are grateful for each and every staff member at ASK Wellness Society! Across a broad range of roles from front line support workers and outreach staff to our cleaning and maintenance crew, the cooking staff, peer employees, administrative personnel, program coordinators, and the management team – every single person plays a pivotal role here at ASK. We thank you for your ongoing hard work, dedication, compassion, and grit. You provide hope and support during times of such heightened uncertainty, amidst many challenges. We see the aligned values shared by our employees and the passion for the cause that binds us all together.
Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. You show up every day and provide continuous kindness and compassion to those we serve; may you show that same kindness and compassion to yourself and your loved ones. The gratitude we have for you all is endless.
