A West Kelowna winery raised $20,000 to help a local women’s organization amid the Grouse Complex of wildfires that hit the Central Okanagan in August.
Despite tourism slowing down because of the fires, Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery was able to raise the money and donate it to Mama for Mamas, which supports mothers and caretakers in crisis by providing support for families facing poverty-related struggles.
“While the situation definitely slowed things down, we were genuinely overwhelmed by how generous our customers were when they found out that we were striving to support our community,” said Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery general manager Jesse Harnden.
Once the winery was able to reopen, they waved all wine-tasting fees in lieu of a donation for Mama for Mamas. Also, certain wines bought at the winery, online, or wholesale, as well as a specialty Mama for Mamas wine pack came with a corresponding donation.
“In the Lower Mainland and on the island, people in the wine business wanted to help but sometimes didn’t realize the scope of the devastation,” said Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery key accounts representative Kimberley Carlson. “Once we started this promotion, stores were so eager to pick up an extra case or two and join in our efforts.”
The charitable organization was overwhelmed by the donations.
Mamas for Mamas founder and chief vision officer Shannon Christensen said Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery’s donation illuminates the path towards a brighter future for Mamas for Mamas programs.
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