Grant and Funding Programs Offered by South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (SOS)

The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation (SOS Medical Foundation) is a regional charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening healthcare across the South Okanagan and Similkameen in British Columbia, from Summerland to Princeton, Oliver to Osoyoos. Working alongside Interior Health facilities and community partners, the Foundation raises and allocates philanthropic funds to improve patient care close to home.

Its funding is directed to purchasing advanced medical equipment, upgrading hospital spaces, supporting specialized health programs and services, and enhancing care infrastructure in 16 facilities, including Penticton Regional Hospital, South Okanagan General Hospital, seniors’ care homes, community health centres and hospice services. The Foundation leads targeted capital campaigns in areas such as critical care, women’s and children’s health, robotics for surgery, and rural hospital upgrades.

In addition to capital and equipment projects, the Foundation supports workforce development through dedicated bursaries. The Leier Family Bursary provides up to $10,000 per recipient for oncology-related master’s degrees, certificates and specialized training for frontline oncology staff in the region (excluding physicians and nurse practitioners). With a defined annual cap and clear application deadlines, this program helps build local expertise in cancer care while keeping professionals in the community.

The SOS Medical Foundation emphasizes collaboration with hospital and healthcare leaders to identify the greatest needs. Donations are “directed to where it’s needed most,” focusing on equipment gaps, facility improvements, and priority programs that elevate the patient experience. Through annual impact reports, the Foundation details how funds are used, from upgraded diagnostic and surgical technology to expanded community programs and comfort-focused care for seniors and hospice patients.

The Foundation’s support reaches a wide spectrum of patients, including premature newborns, people undergoing cancer treatment, surgical patients benefiting from robotics, seniors in long-term care, and families relying on hospice and community health services. By combining major gifts, planned giving, monthly donations and community fundraising, the Foundation channels local generosity into concrete improvements across the regional health system, ensuring that high-quality care remains accessible without long-distance travel.