Vernon area residents have turned down the heat and donated their new and used sweaters all in support of energy conservation and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Co-sponsored by Fortis B.C. and the Business Improvement Areas of B.C., the third annual Turn Down the Heat, held the first week of February, encouraged B.C. residents to turn down the heat at home and at work, and put a sweater on.
“The campaign encourages people to wear sweaters and donate sweaters and warm articles to those in need,” said Downtown Vernon Association executive director Lara Konkin.
DVA staff took the opportunity to hold a contest during the week, encouraging the public, local business owners and staff to see who could drop off the most sweaters at three locations in town.
“One enterprising student of Kala Star school (a private academy in Vernon), who wanted to make a donation to the DVA, raised enough money for us to purchase some brand new sweaters for the cause,” said Konkin.
The sweaters were donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Vernon branch.
“CMHA will share the sweaters with families and individuals who use CMHA services,” said operations director Sue Rossi, adding, “We are very grateful for the donations.”
