More than 1,500 pounds of food was collected throughout the community in support of the Central Okanagan Food Bank with help from Total Restoration and Castanet.
The Central Okanagan Food Bank is currently serving 5,500 people every month out of their two locations in Kelowna and West Kelowna, a 30% increase over the same time last year.
The food raised will go directly to Christmas hampers, and anything left over will help replenish the food bank’s supply.
“Because of the increased need, we have actually had to dip into our food reserves, so it’s just going to help us get those numbers back up,” said RayAnn Gruza, food bank communications and engagement co-ordinator.
Thursday morning, the crew from Total Restoration dropped off the large amount of donations to the food bank.
“That’s what we do. We help when there are disasters, and we help everywhere else when we can as well,” Total Restoration CEO Marisa Wilson said.
The food bank’s Christmas hamper initiative is now in full swing.
Volunteers started distributing hampers on Dec. 7 and will continue handing the out to the community until Dec. 23.
On top of regular hamper items, clients will receive all the fixings for a special holiday meal, including a turkey or ham.
“There are people from all different walks of life that access our hampers,” Gruza said. “Anyone who is just needing a little bit of extra support right now can access our hampers, and it is very low barrier. Feel free to call or us or come down to our location on Enterprise or in West Kelowna, and we would be happy to help.”
A total of $8,000 worth of dog food and product was also raised for the Central Okanagan Food Bank with the support of Chevrolet Kelowna and Sunshine Pet Supplies in West Kelowna.
For more information on the food bank, click here.
All Get Involved Stories
