Rent refunds in Kelowna, free van in Oliver among generous Christmas donations

A property manager in Kelowna is giving his less-fortunate clients a chance to win this month’s rent back as part of a Christmas giveaway.

Associate Property Management Ltd. is hoping to refund $10,000 worth of rent from December. So far the team has fundraised about half of the goal.

“Our staff has blown me away with their generosity,” co-owner Robert Zivkovic said.

So far fundraising has only taken place internally, he said.

“But we’re going to reach out to our suppliers see if they’re interested in donating as well.”

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The number of Kelowna residents who rent from Associate Property Management is in the thousands, Zivkovic said.

He isn’t sure how many renters will be able to win the contest but said “we’ll be spreading out the cheer as far as we can go.”

And applications are “coming in fast and furious.”

Only those with a household income under $50,000 qualify. And in order to win, renters have to apply with a one-page letter about their current situation and why they deserve free rent.

Zivkovic said a panel of three judges will decide the winners. Single people and families are both eligible to win. He hopes to make the free rent give-away an annual tradition.

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Meanwhile in Oliver, a kind retiree just found a better home for her 2000 Dodge Caravan.

Terrylynn Pastor had the van sitting around as a backup, but she already has a reliable vehicle.

“I have a Dodge van already and it’s been such a good vehicle to me,” she said. “I hate to see the other van sit out all winter and not getting used, I’d rather see someone use it.”

Asked why she didn’t sell the vehicle, Pastor said she has been a single parent at two points in her life, and she wants to help somebody out.

“Now that I’m retired I like to give back to those struggling parents because I know what it’s like,” she said. 

After reaching out to the community to find somebody deserving of her vehicle, Pastor decided to give the van to an 18-year-old single mom who plans on using it to take her one-month old baby to doctor appointments. 

"She's not giving up and grateful for this simple gesture," Pastor said.

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