From the hundreds of people employed to the thousands of youth and families supported, there's a long history of supporting the community through one particular agency.

North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a free community appreciation barbecue Saturday, Sept. 14.

Saying 'thank you' for for all the community support over the years, the event takes place in Polson Park from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. with free lunch, family games, face painting, bouncy castle, live music, crafts and family-friendly activities.

鈥淲e are so excited as an agency to be in our 50th year of operation,鈥� says Dean Francks, executive director. 鈥淚n honour of this achievement we really wanted to give back and say thank you to the community that has shown us unwavering support since 1974. We hope to see a large crowd join us as we offer this token of our appreciation!鈥�

Anyone who has been touched by NOYFSS over the past 50 years in invited to join in the celebration as NOYFSS looks forward to the next chapter of growth and a continued commitment to strengthening children, youth and families in the North Okanagan.