Local Community Advertising
The 10th Annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive begins today in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank is aiming to feed 10,000 people this year in honour of their 10th anniversary of the event.
Keeping the current state of COVID-19 in mind, organizers are hosting a virtual event this year, and are asking people to donate $10 to help during a time when many have officially lost work, or the ability to work.
“With our three to one buying power we can stretch a $10 donation so much farther than the average person, and in doing so, are able to provide so many more households facing facing food insecurity with a Thanksgiving dinner” says Trevor Moss, CEO for the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
In previous years, the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive would have received anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 pounds of donated food in one day, which would have helped the food bank provide its services well into the fall months.
The food bank says that having to cancel the food drive and modify it to an online donation system makes them nervous for those who may come to rely on a Thanksgiving hamper during one of the most celebrated family holidays.
“Ensuring everyone has the nutritional food required to sustain a healthy life is paramount within our community,” says Tammie Watson, Chief Development Officer for the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
“We are living in a time and place right now where we’ve seen that anything can happen, and you never know if you or someone you love may need this support one day. We’ve had generous support over the years with the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive, and hope the community can come together once again during these very unique circumstances, to give generously in support of those in need of a family meal”
Community members are encouraged to donate online through the food drive’s GoFundMe.
Non-perishable food items will be accepted at all Kelowna and West Kelowna Save on Foods locations on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Local Community Advertising