Kelowna

Photo: Contributed

Associate Executive Director Lenetta Parry with eight business owners from Edmonton

Twenty four hours later, officials with the Kelowna Community Food Bank are still in shock.

Tuesday afternoon, a group of Edmonton business owners, on an annual retreat, dropped by the food bank with a 'big surprise.'

"They had over $22,000 in un-solicited donations for us," says Revenue Development Officer, David Purdon.

"We can't overstate how big this is. We are still in a bit of shock."

According to Purdon, retreat organizers divided the eight business owners into two teams of four and challenged them to raise as much money for the Kelowna Food Bank as possible.

The challenge lasted four hours.

They were asked to use all available resources, creativity and business networks and were limited only by the rule of law and a commitment to maintain the food bank brand integrity.

"It was a very welcome surprise," added Purdon.

"It has been a tough year - donations have not kept pace with demand causing critical inventory shortages."

Purdon says with their three times purchasing power, the donation will go a long way towards feeding vulnerable families this Christmas.