If you had photos taken with Santa at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre this holiday season, you contributed to helping children who benefit from Penticton-based OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre.

Cherry Lane marketing director Andrea Davison handed over a cheque for $9,761.85 to OSNS鈥檚 executive director Heather Miller on Tuesday.

This year marked the return of a real-life Santa at the mall after several years of virtual Santa experiences due to the pandemic restrictions.

鈥淲e were so excited to have Santa back at Cherry Lane. The kids love it, families like it, it鈥檚 such a positive thing and a great way to raise money for children鈥檚 services,鈥� said Miller on Tuesday.

鈥淲e are extremely grateful to Cherry Lane Shopping Centre and Andrea for her leadership and for choosing OSNS,鈥� said Miller.

While there is some government funding for OSNS, it relies on community donations and fundraisers just like this one, she said.

The money will go towards supporting children and families, for pediatric rehabilitation and family support.

鈥淭his type of fundraising helps us reach those little children and their families one-on-one and help kids develop and reach their full potential,鈥� she added.

If you would like to donate to OSNS, go to .