OCNews

Watch the Okanagan College Foundation's Staff Lotto Stretch video and learn how you can get involved with supporting students.

On Giving Tuesday Dec. 1, the Okanagan College Foundation is encouraging faculty and employees to join the Staff Lotto Stretch, a campaign to increase the number of 50/50 Staff Lottery participants over the next year.

“We have a goal to sign up 150 new employees between now and next year’s Giving Tuesday,” explains Helen Jackman, Executive Director of the Okanagan College Foundation.

“That magic number will increase the jackpot to $1,000 every payday for one lucky staff member, and will provide $1,000 every two weeks to support students facing difficult financial situations.”

Tanya Tarlit, Okanagan College Program Administrator, Trade and Apprenticeship, is featured in the Staff Lotto Stretch video. Tarlit, who won the more than $550 jackpot in July, says the potential payday is not the main reason she participates.

“For me, it’s about students, students, students. I want to make sure that students have every opportunity to be successful at Okanagan College.  If an emergency bursary can relieve stress or ensure that they can stay in school, then I am more than happy to donate.”

Since the onset of COVID-19, the Okanagan College Foundation has seen a major increase in the request for emergency funding. In April, over 100 emergency bursaries were distributed compared to an average of 10 in a normal month. Concerns about food insecurity sparked the launch of OC Serves Up on the Kelowna Campus. There were also requests for essential laptops for students unable to afford them. 

Nikki is a student who recently received an emergency bursary after losing her job in the spring as a result of the business closures mandated across the province. She says the funds helped relieve tremendous financial stress, putting her mind at ease while dealing with the anxiety of not being able to support herself. 

“Okanagan College students are so lucky that we are given the opportunities that we are given through the administration and staff,” says Nikki.
 
In order to promote the staff lottery in a remote working environment, current participants of the 50/50 Staff Lottery will be sporting flashy virtual backgrounds in virtual meetings the week of Dec. 1 highlighting whether they are "a winner" of the lottery this past year, or if they are "hoping to be a winner."

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
 
To learn more about the 50/50 Staff Lottery or to sign up, visit okanagan.bc.ca/stafflottery.