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Vernon  

Raising cash by camping

UPDATE: 12:00 P.M.

Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton's camp out over the weekend has raised $3,537.95 so far, said Gay Jewitt, executive director of Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.

"Kevin has raised more than he ever has raised for us," Jewitt said.

The amount puts the centre's Legacy Fund at over $176,407, Jewitt said.


The mayor of Lumby spent the past weekend camping out on the side of the highway, surviving only on water, to raise money for the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.

Mayor Kevin Acton pitched his tent on the side of Highway 6 Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. and left 48 hours later, collecting money from those passing by for the resource centre’s Legacy Fund.

“It’s basically a fund that puts money away in perpetuity, forever and ever, and then draws on the interest to help the community,” Acton said.

The organization funds a variety of services and programs, for children to seniors.

“We see a lot of people come in off the street looking for information, looking for a hand,” said Gay Jewitt, executive director of Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.

Acton chose the tent and water-only route to raise funds because he wanted to live like someone who has less than him. 

“There are times when people go without in this world and one of the ways I thought I’d raise awareness is by doing it myself,” he said. “Showing an example of how it could happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. It’s not a long fall from the top I don’t think.”

Acton said he’s had an overwhelming response from Lumby residents.

“The donations have been fantastic, generous,” he said. “Lots of people are coming by for conversations, chatting up the mayor, because I’m out here, a captive audience.

“Its always a good experience in Lumby.”

Jewitt was thankful for Acton’s efforts, and from the community as a whole.

“Sometimes its quite hard to always be raising money … it gets quite overwhelming sometimes, so it’s very nice to have someone else help out, it’s much appreciated,” Jewitt said. “The people of Lumby have been amazing, it’s a good community.”

Acton was in good spirits Sunday afternoon, despite the empty stomach, but he was ready for some of the comforts he had been missing out on.

“I’m looking forward to having a shower, a shave and some food,” he said.

For those looking to donate to the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre, Acton says you can donate directly at the centre at 2114 Shuswap Avenue, or set up a direct deposit through your bank.

- With files from Angie Clowry



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