Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

Photo: Contributed

Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

Kim is at the Kelowna Food Bank twice a week, on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.  He has worked for us a long time and he's always busy with a smile and a friendly word for everyone. 

Photo: Contributed

He came to us seven years ago, a client of TIER Support Services.  TIER provides support and employment programs for people with development disabilities.  Together, we help people overcome employment barriers.  Kim lives with his family in Kelowna, a short bus ride from the Food Bank.  For him, working here is no different than having a job.

Kim works independently, sweeping, mopping and cleaning kitchen counters.  He enjoys the routine, knows what to do and how to do it well.  We never have to check his work.   Kim is an important member of our volunteer family.  He is one of over 100 individuals who participate in our Care to Share Volunteer Program, helping with our daily operations.  We could not do the work we do without dedicated people like Kim.

He has never missed a shift in seven years.  Last May, Kim received the “Volunteer of the Month” award for his hard work and service.  We are all very proud of his achievement. 

Please help us help people like Kim.  Your donation sustains our volunteer program giving people the opportunity to contribute and to prove themselves.

Photo: Contributed

“Our plans were shelved when Jason’s hours were cut back to almost none in September 2008,” Melissa says.  “The bills began to pile up.  Within a few months we were in a deep hole.  Finally, we had to admit that we were beyond the point where we could make ends meet; we turned to the Kelowna Food Bank for help."

"Honestly, I don’t know how we would have managed without them.  On top of our family basket, we received a weekly hamper for the baby and a snack pack for Holly.  The snack pack has a week’s supply of good stuff like fresh fruit, yogurt and granola bars.  The lady there told us that it’s a program for kids in day care and school." 

Holly, who was six, loved the cheese sticks.  It was nice for her to have something tasty to look forward to at recess.  Although we did our best to keep our troubles from Holly, she was old enough to understand what we were going through.  Some days she would pretend to not like the cheese telling me to put it in Daddy’s lunch.  

"It broke my heart, but I was very proud of how she wanted to make sure that her father had enough to eat while he was out looking for work.”

Things have improved for Holly’s family in 2012

“Thanks to the Food Bank, we made it through.  Jason got his ticket and is working full time on the new Highway 97 project and I am working part-time.  We haven’t been to the Food Bank in over a year but the experience has left a lasting impression on Holly.  She tells me that when she grows up she wants to work there so that no one will ever have to go hungry.”

You can help.  Your donation helps kids like Holly to grow up healthy, active and strong.

Please give to the Cast A Light Campaign today.

Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

Meet Devin

“I’m 8 months old and have lots of friends at the Kelowna Food Bank. I go there once a week with my mom, it’s great to see everyone and visit.

I always have a big smile for everyone but I save my biggest smiles for Jessica.  I really like her a lot.  When I grow up I am going to marry her.

My mom says the diapers and wipes we get are a big help.  Whatever… diapers are for little kids.  I’m here to see Jessica.

Mom and Dad are excited about our first Christmas together. She says they are going to get a hamper with a turkey and all the trimmings.  Hey… not fair! I can’t eat solid food yet. ”

You can help Devin’s family this Christmas. 

Please support the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

Photo: Contributed

Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.

A letter to the Food Bank

Being diagnosed with terminal cancer would be frightening for anyone.  Now imagine adding loss of income, home and community to this difficult time.
 
Meet Raymond and Manuel, a family facing this reality after Raymond was diagnosed with cancer. Manuel has quit working so that he can provide full time care to Raymond.  They re-located from the West Kootenays for medical treatment at the BC Cancer Agency.

October 5, 2012

Dear Lenetta and Friends at the Kelowna Food Bank,

Thursday October 4th was our monthly pick-up day at the Food Bank. 

Photo: Contributed

Manuel and Raymond

Once again, we were very moved by the kindness and generosity of the entire team. We continue to be so grateful for the ongoing assistance that we are receiving from our regular allocations, the Special Needs Hamper for Raymond that is providing nutrition supports to help deal with his on-going struggle with the side-effects from his cancer-related treatments.

Of particular benefit, has been the recent assistance through the BC Association of Farmer’s Market Nutrition Coupon Program that has been supplementing Raymond’s essential supply of fresh fruits and vegetables over the past weeks. 
 
On Thursday we appreciated the kind greeting and reception that we received from the Staff and Volunteers alike: Richard and Bob in the Client Services area; together with the gentle treatment that we received from Mike, Evelyn, Gord and Judy on the distribution line.
 
Gregg was kind enough to help us out to the vehicle with our hamper.  Please extend our gratitude to everyone.
 
We wish you all the best for Thanksgiving and recognize that it is with your assistance that we too are able to ‘celebrate’ with grateful hearts.

Best regards,
Manuel and Raymond

'Every day is a struggle, but with the help and support of many, including the Kelowna Bank, this family is beating the odds.'

Olivia and Matt, like most kids, went out on Halloween. They toured the neighbourhood, but instead of asking for treats they asked for food for the Kelowna Food Bank. By the end of the night the energetic kids had gathered over 500 items of food for the Food Bank. Well done Olivia and Matt, thank you for caring for others.

Cast- A-Light is our annual online campaign featuring inspiring stories of hope, wholeness and community spirit from Food Bank clients, donors and volunteers.  We have set a goal to raise $50,000 for Food Bank programs.

Every day we post a new story or video.  You can learn more about how Food Bank programs help ordinary people in temporary need.  We share some of the reasons behind the need and how lives are improved.

We hope that you will be inspired to cast a light of your own.  Your donation will help vulnerable children and families in Kelowna.

You have the option to remain anonymous or to be recognized as a Cast-A-Light star.

This Christmas nearly 1,500 households will register for a Christmas hamper.  Let’s make a magical Christmas for all.

Please give to the Cast-A-Light campaign today.