About us
Making the healing power of the lake accessible to our community.
● Our history
How it all began
How a borrowed raft and a big idea became years of smiles on the water.
1990 A volunteer with a vision
Frank Wright, a volunteer at a local seniors' residence, borrowed a platform on oil drums and took a group of seniors out onto Okanagan Lake. They loved every moment. That simple outing set everything in motion.
1992 The society is born
The Okanagan Quality Life Society is founded to bring therapeutic lake outings to seniors in care and disabled members of the greater Vernon community. A fundraising campaign follows, and the response is overwhelming.
Soon a 24-foot Princecraft pontoon boat joins the fleet. The name comes from Rose Griffin, a 103-year-old care home resident, who won a naming contest with an entry that felt just right. Moorage is generously donated by Seymour Marina to get the program off the ground.
1994 A community rallies
After two decades of faithful service, Heaven Can Wait is lovingly retired, having completed an estimated 2,200 trips and carried some 19,000 passengers.
Thanks to another generous community funding campaign, a brand new 25.5-foot Avalon LS takes over, with three pontoons, a 90 hp motor, and extra-wide doors for wheelchair access.
2026 34rd year on the water
Over 50 volunteer captains now serve more than 60 client groups. In 2025 alone, the boat carried 1,614 passengers across 226 trips, backed by 238 hours of volunteer captain time. Smiles on the water continue.
In the media
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Global Okanagan TV
June 1, 2022
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Morning Star
March 21, 2022
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Castanet Article re COVID-19
July 8, 2020
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Castanet Article and Video
August 4, 2019
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Infotel News Article
July 18, 2019
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Vernon Morning Star Article and Video
July 18, 2019
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Shaw TV Video Clip
July 2013
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A Piece of Heaven on Okanagan Lake
July 13, 2014
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Heaven Can Wait Sails Again
August 23, 2013
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Society Seeks New Pontoon Boat
August 23, 2013
Board of Directors
Community Foundation North Okanagan 2026
President Terry Worbets
Treasurer Suzanne Scott
Fundraising Office Michelle Sinclair
Cruise Director Diane Spencer
Chief Engineer Simon Johnston
Chief Captain Craig Garratt
Training & Standards Officer John Gleadle
First Aid Officer Tish Little
Client Rep Nicole Lacroix (Noric House)
Client Rep Chris Smith (Heron Grove)
Board Advisor Dale Dunlop
Get in touch
Please feel to reach out if you have an inquiry related to becoming a sponsor, arranging our services for your organisation or volunteering with the society.
Something else? We’re here.
