Community Rallies Behind New Penticton Clinic: Support Continues to Surge!

The South Okanagan Similkameen Health Care Society is on a mission to raise $2.1 million for a new health clinic in Penticton. So far, local donors have contributed $630,000, making this dream closer to reality.

Thanks to the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen (CFSOS) and generous donors like Brian Hodson and Sharon Romank, funding is coming together. They created a donor-advised fund years ago and found the perfect opportunity with this project. “We wanted to support something impactful and sustainable,” they mentioned. “The new Community Walk-In Clinic is just that.”

As renovations begin in the Community Futures building, the goal is to open the clinic by summer. Along with their fundraising campaign, a significant boost came from a $1 million donation by Colleen Schneider, whose name will adorn the new facility.

Kelly Hawes, executive director of the SOS Health Care Society, expressed excitement about the new clinic, saying it would provide essential services and be a lasting gift to the community. The clinic will feature 20 exam rooms and accommodate up to 30 healthcare professionals, including doctors and therapists. Several physicians have already committed to moving to Penticton, further strengthening local healthcare.

Replacing the former Apple Plaza Walk-In Clinic, this new facility will not only offer immediate care but also holistic, long-term services for residents. The collaborative effort includes partnerships with organizations like the SOS Division of Family Practice and the City of Penticton, creating a community-centric healthcare model that could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar issues.

Teaming up for this project shows the power of community. “When we unite for a common goal, we can tackle big challenges,” said Aaron McRann, CEO of CFSOS. His organization strives to connect people and resources for meaningful change.

While the project is underway, there’s still a need for funds. All donations are appreciated, no matter the size.

To learn more or contribute to this vital initiative, visit the CFSOS website at cfso.net/PrimaryCare.

This health clinic not only addresses a pressing need today but also sets a foundation for a healthier future in Penticton, showcasing how community efforts can drive positive change.

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