Photo: School District 22

Great West Equipment has raised almost $6,000 for Vernon's Starfish Packs program.

The Great West Equipment Christmas Silent Auction raised $5,775 for the program that will support 11 student backpacks this coming year.

“We support the Starfish Program as we want to support the community in areas that to us make a meaningful impact,” said Rob Rintoul, chief financial officer, Great West Equipment. “Youth is often our focus as there is great potential in every child."

Great West Equipment became involved with the Starfish Pack program two years ago.

"Giving them an opportunity to succeed with healthy food is something we felt fit our support objectives and is a great program we hope takes hold in many other communities.”

The Vernon Starfish Pack alone currently delivers 93 backpacks to School District 22 elementary schools. These backpacks feed approximately 130 children in Vernon each week.

To learn more or support this program in your community or others please visit their website.