Santa Officially Adds JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland to his Nice List

KELOWNA, BC, December 3, 2024 – After checking his list twice, Santa has given his official seal of approval to JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland – the KGH Foundation’s most anticipated holiday event of the year. The seal was awarded to the event based on its holiday cheer, community spirit, and support of a cause that’s been on Santa’s nice list for years: JoeAnna’s House.

“I was over the moon to see so much joy, merry making, and generosity at Winter Wonderland last year,” shares Santa Claus. “I wouldn’t miss it for all the milk and cookies in the world! This event embodies the magic of the holidays and helps so many families in need access JoeAnna’s House. It’s a gift I can’t put under the tree myself, but seeing the community come together to support the home fills my heart, my spirit, and, of course, my nice list!”

As the largest fundraiser for JoeAnna’s House, Winter Wonderland has become a beloved Kelowna tradition for many, including Santa himself. Last year, the event raised over $61,000 for JoeAnna’s House, a vital ‘home-away-from-home’ for families whose loved ones are receiving care at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). With demand for JoeAnna’s House growing, the KGH Foundation is working to raise $5.3 million to expand the home and accommodate the constant waitlist of families in need.

“We’re so grateful to Santa for endorsing Winter Wonderland, and to our generous community for showing him just how much you care,” shares Darlene Haslock, Director of JoeAnna’s House. “It warms my heart to know that Santa himself believes in the important work we’re doing. We rely on the generosity of our community to operate and expand JoeAnna’s House, and Winter Wonderland is the perfect way for all of us to come together, have fun, and make a lasting impact.”

JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland will take place on Sunday, December 15, from 1 – 5 PM inside MNP Place, 4105 Gordon Dr. The event will feature a sleigh-full of festive activities including:

• Photos with Santa (2-5 PM)
• Cookie decorating
• Ice skating (with Rockets players on the ice from 2-3 pm!)
• Festive crafts and games
• Holiday Market
• Live performances
• Hot chocolate and cider
• Tour bookings for JoeAnna’s House
• 50/50 (draw date Dec. 16)
• Pattison Media live on-location (Beach Radio, The Lizard, and OV 103.9)

Admission is by donation, with activity tickets available for purchase. Those that can’t make it to the event can still purchase 50/50 tickets online at joeannashouse.com/winter-wonderland.

All proceeds from the event will directly support the operation and expansion of JoeAnna’s House, ensuring that even more families can access the warm, supportive accommodation they need when facing life’s most challenging moments.

Thanks to the generosity of the community and a lead gift by the Huber family, founders of Prestige Hotels & Resorts, JoeAnna’s House was built and continues to operate solely on donations. Prestige Hotels & Resorts continues to support the home as the event’s title sponsor.

“When we first began supporting JoeAnna’s House, we never imagined the house would catch Santa’s attention, but this just goes to show how profound of an impact the home has on thousands of families across our region,” shares Tanya Stroinig, Chief Operating Officer of Prestige Hotels & Resorts. “The spirit of hospitality and compassion at JoeAnna’s House resonates deeply with our team, and we’re honored to be part of such a meaningful cause.”

“We are beyond grateful to Santa, our sponsors, partners, and volunteers for making this community event possible,” says Haslock. “Their generosity allows us to bring the magic of the season to life while raising vital funds for families in need of JoeAnna’s House. We are excited to come together with our community at Winter Wonderland and make a meaningful, lasting impact for those who need it most.”

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of community sponsors who frequently top the nice list, including Prestige Hotels and Resorts (title sponsor), and additional generous sponsors: GSL Group, MNP Place, Pattison Media, Beach Radio, The Lizard, Castanet, Global Okanagan, Big White Ski Resort, Save on Foods, The Okanagan Chefs Association, Tim Hortons, and Crowe MacKay.

Learn more about JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland at joeannashouse.com/winter-wonderland.

Since 1978, the KGH Foundation has worked with a generous community to raise funds to support world-class health care close to home for a growing and diverse population in the interior of B.C. Today, the KGH Foundation is the lead fundraising organization for Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna’s House, and Central Okanagan Hospice House, while also fundraising for vital community health care programs.

Media Contact:

Jessie Billey                                                   
Marketing and Communications Manager                

KGH Foundation

t | 250-862-4300 x 27270                              

e| Jessie.Billey@interiorhealth.ca