Articles by Madison Reeve

Technology

Kelowna Concierge kicks off annual winter coat drive (Kelowna)

Kelowna Concierge has kicked off its 5th Annual Winter Coat Drive to support the Salvation Army and help local families stay warm this winter. From now until Nov. 18, the public is invited to donate gently used winter clothing — such as coats, sweaters, gloves, toques, and scarves — at two drop-off locations in Kelowna and West Kelowna. “As temperatures drop, so many in our community face the challenge of staying warm,” said Jon De Bruyne, general manager of Kelowna Concierge. “We’re proud to continue this tradition and support the Salvation Army’s efforts to provide warmth, comfort, and care to those who need it most. This year we’ve partnered with Brian McClelland, the owner of Smith Creek Cycle, to provide an easy drop-off location in West Kelowna.” Donation locations include: Kelowna Concierge – 1310 Water Street (inside the Delta Grand Okanagan lobby) Smith Creek Cycle – 203-3310 Carrington Road, West Kelowna (closed Sundays and Mondays) Last year, the coat drive collected more than 40 large bags of winter clothing, and organizers are hoping to collect even more this year. “We’re hoping to one day fill an entire 24-passenger Kelowna Concierge bus with donations,” De Bruyne added. This year, donors can also enter to win a Half Day Wine Tour for Two. To enter, participants must donate an item, take a photo with their donation and the coat drive poster, follow @KelownaConcierge on Instagram, and post the photo to their Instagram Story while tagging the company. A bonus entry is available by using the hashtag #KelownaConciergeCares.

Technology

Emergency evacuation drill planned for Wilden and Magic Estates this weekend (Kelowna)

Residents of Kelowna’s Wilden and Magic Estates neighbourhoods will take part in a large-scale emergency evacuation drill this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The exercise, organized by the Kelowna Fire Department (KFD) in partnership with regional emergency services and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), is designed to help the community prepare for real-life emergencies such as wildfires. “During wildfires and other emergencies, every second counts, and being prepared to respond requires both education and practice,” said the KFD in a statement. Officials emphasize that this is only a planned drill, not a real emergency. Only residents who registered in advance will participate, and no action is required from the general public. In the event of a real emergency, the public would be notified through CORD Emergency alerts, as well as updates from the BC Wildfire Service and local media outlets. On Saturday morning, residents may notice a larger presence of emergency vehicles along designated evacuation routes in Wilden and Magic Estates. Although no road closures are planned, there may be increased traffic and activity near Glen Cara Way & Clifton Road, and Upper Canyon Drive & Union Road. The exercise will finish at Prospera Place, which will serve as the final muster station for participants between 9 a.m. and noon.