The highlight of my year happened on the 19th of November, when we held the 2025 Jingle Bell Build. The growth of this event is amazing given its humble beginnings as a photo contest launched during the pandemic. The Laurel Packing House was packed with 26 teams competing for bragging rights and winning of the much converted Gingy Cup. The room was buzzing with creativity and it was a delight to see everyone enjoying the evening. A massive thank you to all our sponsors, teams and suppliers that made this year’s event our most successful to date.
Now we switch our focus to the online 50/50. We’ve recently been attending the local Christmas markets (even braving the chilly Farmstrong market) to promote this lottery that last year ended with a total pot of $183,050. We striving to maximize every opportunity we have to set a new record for the December 17th draw. We are currently sitting over $130,000 with only 13 days left to get your tickets!
On the first of November we officially launched our seasonal products across all the stores. In West Kelowna we went the extra mile, the whole top floor became a winter wonderland packed with Christmas trees, garlands, reindeer’s, lights and much more, even I was tempted into making some purchases! The launch was a great success and sales have exceeded our expectations. There is still some very nice product available in all our stores. A big thank you to the volunteers that work on our festive décor year round to ensure we are organized as our shelves fill.
As we near the end of the year I’m reminded of how important our mission is and the security the families in our program benefit from, enabling them to enjoy the festivities. The strength of your support of our mission to provide affordable home ownership is immeasurable.
It’s been another busy year for Habitat Okanagan and we’re nearing the time for the team to get a well deserved rest. This year, for the first time in a while, I’ll be spending Christmas with some family members from the UK in a warmer climate. It will be wonderful to share this special time with them.
Whatever your plans are, I wish you all a very enjoyable holiday season!
Andrea Manifold
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan
