The Log Barn is well-known for its tasty treats, friendly goats and local produce.
But the owners of the Enderby business are also invested in the community and have recently presented a cheque for $7,400 to Special Olympics. This donation was made possible through the Log Barn’s Sunday Sales Program‚ which has all proceeds from Sunday sales going to support local charities.
The much needed donation will be used to fund bowling, one of the most popular sports within the Vernon Special Olympics program, drawing more than 80 players to Lincoln Lanes for two hours every Saturday from September to April.
“We hope that our contribution will help provide athletes more opportunities to become involved within the Special Olympics program,” says Log Barn representative Kimberley Clark.
Each participant has to come up with $6 per session and the Vernon Special Olympics board pays for the rest.
“This is by far our most expensive program, cost wise, but so worth it,” says Sandee Carson SO bowling head coach. “This generous donation comes at a time where we need it most and will give us more flexibility to extend this program, going to competitions and buy some needed equipment.”
The Log Barn has opened their doors for the first time on Sundays this past summer on the condition that all sales proceeds that day were donated to local charity.
“To us it is all about strengthening our community and to celebrate and bless Sundays in our traditional way by giving to others,” says Eric Clark, with The Log Barn. “Being brought up in sports and seeing what it does to the participants in improving their confidence and social development, it was easy to choose Special Olympic athletes as the recipient.”
This is not the first time the Log Barn has donated locally; last month the Clarks presented a cheque for $6,570 to Vernon Kid Sport.
“In our culture, Sunday has always been a family day — with the Sunday Sales program we have the opportunity to bless the day and families from within the community we live,” says Eric.
Special Olympics Vernon welcomes people with an intellectual disability from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, interests and levels of abilities. The participation in sports provides opportunities for athletes to develop social skills cultivate friendships, strive for and achieve goals and increase their self-esteem, ultimately enriching their lives.
“Most of our fall and winter programs still have room for more athletes, and registration is open year round. Bowling is maxed out and we are in need of volunteers assisting every Saturday at Lincoln Lanes,” says Britta Gretzmacher, a member of the SO Vernon board.
For more information, please see www.sobcvernon.ca or call 250-306-8954.
