Tremendous generosity from in-kind donors to Portage Keremeos

11-mars-2010Getting the newest Portage centre fully stocked with supplies and equipment has been a considerable and ongoing task, yet Portage British Columbia has been very fortunate, receiving numerous in-kind donations from individuals as well as local business and community organisations.

The new gym at Portage Keremeos, which is still under construction, has been equipped with free weights and a set of weight training machines by Rocky Mountain Fitness in Kelowna. Sport Chek has also made a generous donation of sports equipment – balls, bats, sticks, nets, pinnies – for both outdoor and indoor sporting activities. To protect the new gym floor, the Legion in Keremeos has provided the residents with several new pairs of special court shoes to wear in the gym. This donation, made at Christmas time, was accompanied by three decorated Christmas trees, which were prominently displayed in the centre during the holidays.

Graham Punnett of Peak Experience is donating gear and equipment for a small ropes challenge course. He will teach Portage staff how to conduct leadership and teamwork programs on the course and has offered to co-facilitate the program to ensure safety. The course will be set up on site later this spring and is highly anticipated by residents and staff. A “Leap of Faith” is planned, which will challenge residents to step out of their comfort zones.

When looking to do something a little more relaxing, residents can enjoy the centre’s new piano, donated by Toni Dray, a case worker at Portage.