Who are we?
|
The Okanagan Quality Life Society (OQLS) is a non-profit organization that has, since 1992, provided recreational, therapeutic outings on Lake Okanagan for seniors in long-term care facilities and for persons with disabilities in Vernon and surrounding area. We are a registered, charitable society, founded in February 1992 and governed and administered by a dedicated volunteer board of directors. We have 45 captains who volunteer their time to complete as many trips every summer as weather permits.
OQLS receives no regular government funding and relies upon charitable donations, contributions from our community partners, and volunteers from the local community to keep afloat. |
|
A Brief History 2013 Global TV Item
|
Over the years, residents in Okanagan care facilities loved the occasional boating and outdoor opportunities afforded them on Okanagan Lake. Recreation therapists, care givers, volunteers and families saw firsthand the wonderful therapeutic benefits that these outdoor lake activities brought them. All agreed that it would be wonderful if these people could have their own boat – to enable the disabled to enjoy the lake.
In 1992 our Society was formed, and, thanks to community generosity, a beautiful pontoon boat, was purchased. We had a contest to name the boat, and it was Rose Griffin, a 104-year-old woman from Bethany (Heritage Square) that aptly named it Heaven Can Wait. Since then, thousands of users have been able to enjoy special on-water boat experiences.
|
Heaven Can Wait II pontoon boat and volunteer captains, Lynn and Rick Chisholm and Bob Pick, at the 2016 Annual Boat Show at the Vernon Yacht Club
Heaven Can Wait II at the 2023 Boat show at the Vernon Yacht Club
|
