Transforming lives on Okanagan Lake,
one cruise at a time

Serving the community since 1993

● Our purpose

Helping seniors and people with disabilities experience the healing power of the lake through safe, inclusive boat outings.

How to help

We are thankful to our individual and community sponsors

Vantage One Credit Union logo
Legion brand logo with red poppy flower and black text
Logo for UltraDeck Marine Flooring with black, gray, and brown text.
PROGLASS MARINE logo
Sunshine Graphics logo with a stylized yellow and orange sun and the words "Sunshine Granules" in gray.
Logo for Blue Heron Marina with a stylized heron bird and the text 'Blue Heron' and 'Marina'
Vernon Yacht Club logo with sailboat and flags
An older man relaxing on a boat, wearing sunglasses, a hat, a life jacket, a patterned shirt, and shorts, enjoying a scenic view of a lake and mountains.
Calm river with trees and mountains in the background, some trees show fall foliage, reflection of the scenery on the water.

What we offer

For over 30 years, the Okanagan Quality Life Society has changed the way elderly and disabled residents connect with their community. We work with more than 70 organizations and care facilities to provide safe, reliable cruises on the Vernon Arm of Okanagan Lake.

The program runs annually from June to September, 5 days/week, 4 cruises/day. The cruises are guided by our trained volunteer captains who all share the belief that life on the water brings genuine therapeutic benefits to those who need it most.

“For many of us, Okanagan Lake is the heart of our summer. For our elderly neighbours and those living with disabilities, the water can feel worlds away."

About us
A slide displaying text about sailings per season, with a large number "200+" and accompanying text about journeys on a pontoon vessel, emphasizing safety, dependability, and meaningful experiences.
Yellow background with black text stating 'Years serving the community', '30+', and 'The Okanagan Quality Life Society has been serving the Greater Vernon area since 1993.'
Blue background with the text "Trained volunteers" and a row of five smiling people's faces, with the number "50+" prominently displayed. Additional text states, "Our captains are First Aid certified and complete annual safety training and boating proficiency."

● Donation tiers

Become a sponsor

Annual sponsorship opportunities for businesses, community groups and individual supporters.

Fleet Admiral • $2,500+

Your logo prominently displayed on the Heaven Can Wait boat and featured as a Premier Partner on our website and marketing.

Admiral • $1000

Your logo on the Heaven Can Wait boat, plus a mention of your business as a Community Partner on our website.

Vice-Admiral • $500

Proudly listed as a Community Partner on our website.

Commander • $100

Recognition as a Community Partner on our website.

Skipper • $20

Your name on our Honour Roll, recognising you as a member.

Make a donation
Close-up of a person's hand gripping a blue and yellow climbing rope, with a blurred outdoor surface in the background.

●‍ ‍Our promise

We make every journey safe and meaningful

  • Yellow safety sign with black text and a symbol, indicating certification and training in first aid, boating, and safety procedures.
  • A graphic with a helmet icon and the word 'Reliability'. The background is light yellow with black text.
  • A light blue background with a leaf icon and the word 'Respect' beneath it.
  • A graphic with a navy blue infinity symbol above the word "Connection" on a light blue background.

Does this resonate with you?
We’re always looking for volunteers to captain and support our mission.

●‍ ‍Frequently asked questions

Ask us anything

If you have a query not covered in the FAQ, reach out using the contact form below.

  • Skipper and Commander status donations can be made easily on our website under Make a donation. Payments are preferably accepted through e-transfer. Larger Admiral status donations can also be made online, or if you prefer inquired through our info@oqls.org email and be promptly responded by our President.

  • Heaven Can Wait donations are offered in 5 tiers. Fleet Admiral is our most prominent status and level down from Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Commander, and finally to being an honoured Skipper. Regardless on the amount of the gracious donation, you will have a prestigious status with our society.

  • Heaven Can Wait have annual operations costs. Fuel, maintenance, insurance, storage and safety equipment are our largest capital needs. Safety is a priority for us and we provide our Captains with First Aid Certification which also adds to our expenses. Most importantly, your donations make if affordable for our seniors and persons with disabilities.

  • Tax deductions will be offered beginning with our Commander status with donations $100 and over.

  • Absolutely! We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteer Captains. Please express your interest and contact information to our Chief Captain at chiefcaptain@oqls.org. 

  • Heaven Can Wait operates during the summer months. Our cruises run from June to September, 5 days/week, 4 cruises/day. We’ll see you on the lake!

  • The Heaven Can Wait pontoon boat uses the Vernon Yacht Club as our cruise terminal. Our passengers embark at the marina entrance to our wheel-chair accessible boat ramp.

  • Safety is one of our core values and we ensure our passengers will experience a comforting and reliable cruise. All of our Captains have mandatory First Aid certification. Our Captains also go through comprehensive emergency training protocols. We are regulated by Transport Canada so we are prepared! In the 34 years we have operated we have never had an incident.

A panoramic view of a large lake surrounded by mountains and greenery, with a golf course in the foreground and a small town near the lake shore.
Two elderly women with gray hair smiling, wearing life jackets, on a boat with water and hills in the background.

Get in touch

Please feel to reach out if you have an inquiry related to becoming a sponsor, arranging our services for your organization or volunteering with the society.

Something else? We’re here.

A group of people on a beige pontoon boat with a canopy, flying a Canadian flag, on a body of water.