End Summer Hunger
Contributed - Aug 15, 2017 - Get Involved

Image: Contributed

On June 11, 2017 Francis’ Cheng led a team of Scotiabank volunteers to raise money and food for The Salvation Army Central Okanagan at Save-On-Foods at Cooper and Lakeshore. Even the Okanagan Batman made an appearance at each location, providing opportunities for photos, and calling donors the “real heroes”. Save-On-Foods not only hosted the event, but also generously donated product towards a hot dog BBQ.

This one-day event raised a total of $6,872 in cash and pledges, and $2,500 worth of food. Scotiabank generously matched the cash donations up to $5,000, for a grand total $14,372! These donations directly support The Salvation Army’s Community Life Centre (CLC) which runs a supportive food bank in Rutland, as well as providing casework services and programming to the community, with an average of over 540 individuals and families accessing these services each month.

“These donations are coming in at the perfect time as our shelves need restocking”, says Sonia Withers, Community Ministries Coordinator at the CLC, “We need the community to partner with us to meet the needs that so many people have. Francis and his team did just that for us this summer.”

This is the second annual End Summer Hunger food drive, and Scotiabank’s second matching event in the last year. “Francis Cheng has been an incredible advocate for our mission”, says Darryl Burry, Executive Director. “Francis has shared of his personal experience with The Salvation Army, and how his life was impacted, and how he’s giving back. It is a joy and privilege to have him partner with us.”

The Salvation Army is looking for more advocates who would like to spearhead a fundraising event with us. If this is you, please contact Dorothy at [email protected]. Follow our story of hope on Facebook at The Salvation Army Central Okanagan, on Instagram @salvationarmyokanagan, on Twitter @kelownasallyann and on our website www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca

About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 128 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.


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