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Cancer is a cause close to the hearts of the Sentes Automotive family. “The BC Cancer Foundation’s Discovery Luncheon is something we’ve been doing for nine years now, donating approximately $100,000 and countless volunteer hours,” says Sentes Automotive’s director of operations, Pamela Pearson. “Several years ago, Margot Sentes was diagnosed with breast cancer, and since we knew that cancer affects every one of our employees in one way or another, we made this our signature sponsorship initiative.”
In the second year, Pamela began volunteering on the foundation committee, becoming the chair a couple of years later. “We have 30- plus employees from across the group attend each year,” says Pamela. “In 2019, we had a record 600-plus people attend and we raised over $370,000. That was then matched by the federal government, adding up to almost three-quarters of a million dollars in one day!” The money raised in 2019 went toward genomics. “Thanks to research, BC Cancer is worldleading with their genomics program,” Pamela says. “Genomics allows scientists and clinicians to explore treatment options at the cellular level, finding the best possible solutions for each individual. It’s an incredibly exciting development for donors in our community to contribute to.”
This year, the Discovery Luncheon has transitioned to a virtual event. “The focus this year is on women’s cancers and we’ll be gathering (virtually) Nov. 27 at 1 pm,” says Pamela. The upside of a virtual event is people from across the province can participate. Discovery 2020 is calling on members of our communities to participate in the event, they are needed now more than ever. For more information and to register, visit discoveryluncheon.ca.
Sentes Automotive also values the opportunity to give back in any way that they can, supporting several other local organizations. “During the holiday season, we sponsor four local families with food, gifts, and other household items. We also donated a 2008 Toyota Matrix, with winter tires and gas cards, to a nominated local family in need.”
Sentes also supports the Central Okanagan Food Bank, the Kelowna Woman’s Shelter, Literacy Day, Swing for Kids, Autism Kelowna, the Okanagan Boys & Girls Club, Mama’s for Mamas, Girl Guides, Ride2Survive, and the Canadian Red Cross, to name only a few. “Sentes leaders and employees truly value getting the opportunity to give back to the community in conjunction with their employment,” says Pamela.
In addition, Sentes Automotive believes in investing in the education of local students. In recent years, it contributed $50,000 to the Okanagan College Trades Building Project and for several years were sponsors of the JDC West competition at UBC Okanagan. “As a company, we continue to work towards a culture where staff are part of the family and are just as involved in the community as the company is,” sums up Pamela.
Keep an eye out for the Faces of Kelowna Magazine
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