South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society

09/11/2026

📚🧠 September is Read a New Book Month! 🧠📚

Reading can open the door to new ideas, adventures, and perspectives. For individuals living with a brain injury, reading can also be a valuable way to engage skills such as attention, memory, comprehension, and concentration.

The best part? Reading doesn't have to mean tackling a lengthy novel. Graphic novels, audiobooks, short stories, magazines, poetry, or reading just a few pages at a time can all be great options. Finding a format that works for you is what matters most.

Whether you're revisiting a favorite author or exploring something completely new, every page turned is an opportunity to learn, enjoy, and keep your brain engaged.

📖 What are you reading this month? Share your recommendations in the comments!

09/10/2026

🎨🌟 Community Event Spotlight: ARTIVERSE 🌟🎨

We're excited to help spread the word about ARTIVERSE, a community arts event and major fundraiser taking place on September 19 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Hosted at the Leir House Cultural Centre (220 Manor Park Ave, Penticton), ARTIVERSE is a vibrant block party filled with art, food, music, creativity, and community connection. Organized by the Penticton & District Community Arts Council (PDCAC), the first annual block party debuted as part of the Council's 65th anniversary celebrations and has become a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together through the arts.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun evening out, ARTIVERSE offers something for everyone. To help keep the event accessible and inclusive, organizers are offering both set-price tickets and pay-what-you-can options.

Join your neighbours for an evening of creativity, connection, and community spirit!

🎟️ Get your tickets here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/artiverse-elemental-threads-the-human-weave

📍 Leir House Cultural Centre
220 Manor Park Ave, Penticton, BC

09/10/2026

🚸 Back to School Means Back to School Zone Safety! 🚸

Students are back in the classroom this week, and there will be more children walking, rolling, cycling, and riding to and from school.

At South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, we know that preventing injuries starts with creating safer roads and communities. A moment of distraction behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences for a child, cyclist, pedestrian, or driver.

Please remember to:
✅ Slow down to 30 km/h in school zones
✅ Watch carefully at crosswalks and intersections
✅ Stop for school buses with flashing red lights
✅ Avoid U-turns in school zones
✅ Stay alert for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly

Let's all do our part to help kids get to and from school safely this year.

Safe roads help prevent serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

Families are encouraged to check out Penticton's updated Safe Routes to School maps, featuring recommended routes, key crossings, and recent safety improvements for local schools. Learn more at penticton.ca/safe-routes.

Photo from: Emily Joveski, Vista Radio

09/09/2026

🧩 Happy International Sudoku Day! 🧩

Sudoku is more than just a puzzle. It challenges skills like concentration, memory, problem-solving, and attention to detail, all areas that can be affected by a brain injury.

For many people living with a brain injury, activities like Sudoku can be a fun and accessible way to engage the brain, build confidence, and celebrate personal achievements. Whether you complete an entire puzzle or just a few squares, every challenge tackled is something to be proud of.

🧠 Are you a Sudoku fan? Let us know your favorite brain game in the comments!

09/08/2026

🔍 Spot the Difference Challenge

👀 Brain workout time!

How many differences can you find between these two images?

Brain Fact:

Activities like puzzles and visual challenges help exercise attention, concentration, and visual processing skills, all important functions of the brain.

✅ Let us know how many you found!

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

Happy Labour Day Weekend!

Tomorrow, we recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and rights of workers across Canada. Labour Day has its roots in the labour movement of the late 1800s and serves as a reminder of the importance of fair working conditions, workplace rights, and the many people whose efforts help strengthen our communities every day.

Whether you're spending the day relaxing with family and friends, enjoying the last long weekend of summer, or preparing for the start of a new school year, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Labour Day.

Please note:
The SOSBIS office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for the Labour Day holiday and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8 at 9:30 AM.

From all of us at the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, thank you to the workers, caregivers, support staff, first responders, health care professionals, community service providers, and volunteers who make a difference every day.

09/05/2026

🌎 International Day of Charity ❤️

Today, we recognize the incredible impact that charities have around the world. Every day, charitable organizations work to improve lives, support vulnerable individuals, fight disease, reduce barriers, and bring hope to those who need it most.

Established by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Charity highlights the importance of generosity, social responsibility, and community action. It reminds us that even small acts of kindness, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or financial contributions, can create meaningful change.

At SOSBIS, charitable donations help us provide education, awareness, advocacy, and support for individuals living with brain injury and those at risk. Your support helps us continue delivering programs, resources, and opportunities that strengthen our communities and improve lives.

This International Day of Charity, we invite you to consider making a donation. Together, we can create lasting impact and help ensure that no one has to face the challenges of brain injury alone.

💙 Donate today: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/south-okanagansimilkameen-brain-injury-society/

09/04/2026

🛴 Scooter Safety and Brain Injury Prevention 🛴

Scooter safety is always important, but it's especially important this time of year.

As students head back to school, we'll see more children and youth using scooters as they gain independence and travel to and from school, friends' homes, activities, and parks. More riders on sidewalks, pathways, and streets means it's a great time for everyone to refresh their safety habits.

Recent B.C. data found that emergency visits related to e-scooter injuries among youth more than doubled in one year. Of those injuries, 17% involved concussions. [cbc.ca]

The good news? Many injuries are preventable.

✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet
✅ Slow down around pedestrians and intersections
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions
✅ Follow local rules and ride predictably

A concussion is a form of brain injury and can affect concentration, memory, balance, and a student's ability to learn and participate in everyday activities. Taking a few simple safety precautions can help keep young riders healthy, active, and ready for a successful school year.

Let's make scooter safety part of the back-to-school checklist and help support children's growing independence while keeping them safe.

09/04/2026

Housing Opportunity for Seniors (60+)

The South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society has a 2 bedroom unit available in our senior oriented building!

Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be a couple aged 60+
• Non smoking building
• No pets
• Applicants must not use a power operated mobility device

BC Housing Application:
If you already have a BC Housing application on file, great!

If not, you can easily apply through the link below:
https://housingapplication.bchousing.org/.../welcome...

If you or someone you know meets the criteria and is looking for safe, stable housing, please reach out to [email protected]