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Nominations needed for gift giveaways in South Okanagan

Gift giveaway launches

Chelsea Powrie - Nov 30, 2020 / 1:40 pm | Story: 317856

Photo: Contributed

Left to right: Kevin Smith of KVM, Tracy Van Raes of Total Restoration, Sandy Tait and Tammy Garbutt

For the next month, Total Restoration and Kettle Valley Memorial are searching for nominations of outstanding community members who deserve a prize package this holiday season.

Five giveaways are planned over the coming weeks to put smiles on the faces of locals who need it.

The first giveaway was Friday, a wonderful surprise for a care aide named Sandy Tait in Osoyoos. She was nominated by her coworker Tammy Garbutt, who described Tait as "a true hero in my books."

"She is cheerful and caring. Sandy not only works night but goes home and takes care of her very sick husband. Being the only income in the household and medication not covered for her husband she always puts herself last. Her car is in need of tires. This is her only transportation," Garbutt said.

"A safe vehicle and one less thing on this lady's plate to relieve her stress. If there is anyone deserving of a Christmas miracle, it's Sandy."

Total Restoration and Kettle Valley Memorial got to work, and on Friday afternoon, Tait thought she was reporting for a union meeting at her work at Mariposa Care Home. Instead, she was presented with a gift certificate for four tires, a gas card, an oil change and more.

"When we approached Fountain Tire to ask if Chuck Thompson would give us the tires at cost, he said 'We will take care of the whole cost of the tires/install and a tune up. We hope this will allow you to help a sixth family and will encourage other businesses to also help in this campaign,'" said Tracy Van Raes with Total Restoration.

"KVM and Total Restoration sprung for the cost of an oil change for Sandy’s car as well as a $75 gas card."

Garbutt received a gift basket and movie passes as a thank-you for her nomination. Tait was thrilled and shocked at the "beautiful, emotional" surprise.

Now, Total Restoration and KVM are on the hunt for at least four more individuals, couples or families who could use some holiday help. Nominations are open here for anyone who: