Electoral areas rally behind Upper Room Mission

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 11, 2012 1:00 AM

Breakdown of $9,200 required

Rural politicians are assisting an agency that offers meals and programs to people in need. All five of the North Okanagan’s electoral areas have agreed to grants to Vernon’s Upper Room Mission so it can pay for a water main upgrade. “It’s a great organization,” said Eugene Foisy, Cherryville director. “It benefits such a huge area.” The grants will be $518 from BX-Swan Lake, $569 from BX-Silver Star, $232 from rural Lumby, $67 from Cherryville and $490 from rural Enderby. “I’m fairly confident residents in my area are using the mission,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. Jackie Pearase, rural Enderby director, admits she had to consider the request first because there are also financial demands in her community. “We have a food bank and a soup kitchen in Enderby but I know some people in Enderby likely use the mission,” she said. Pearase is also confident the regional response to the Upper Room Mission will ultimately lead to help for charitable activities in her area. “If something comes up and they’re asked for help, I would hope they will be just as giving,” she said. “Homelessness and poverty have no boundaries.” The Upper Room Mission was left with a $9,200 bill from the Regional District of North Okanagan after improvements were made to the water lines. The mission was concerned that the bill would take away money it needs to assist its clients so it asked for RDNO to waive the fee. The district does not have that ability and it does not have a functioning grants program so it asked member jurisdictions to consider a contribution to the non-profit. All five member municipalities have also provided funds towards the $9,200.