Culinary Arts students bake up some holiday memories for charity

Okanagna College Media Release

More than 72 eggs, 28 sticks of butter, 35 cups of sugar, and a lot of elbow grease, went into the 3,000 cookies whipped up by Okanagan College Culinary Arts students and instructors this week. The tasty treats are going into hundreds of holiday stockings for kids attending a special charity performance of The Nutcracker at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.

Every year, the Canadian School of Ballet and Ballet Kelowna hosts the Making Memories event exclusively for 856 area youth and families, who would not normally have the opportunity to attend the performance. At the end of the program, each child will receive a holiday stocking brimming with toys and goodies, including the cookies donated by Okanagan College.

“It’s great to see our students and instructors take the time to give back to members of our community,” said Jonathan Rouse, Director of Wine, Food, and Tourism at Okanagan College. “It’s a small gesture that will have a big impact on a lot of children this season and is a great example of how our students take their education and training outside of the classroom.”

“Good food also makes good memories,” says Culinary Arts Chef instructor Perry Bentley. “So does working with volunteers and having a fun time on a great project like this one."

The College’s Culinary Arts department partnered with the Junior Chapter of the Okanagan Chefs Association, Okanagan Grocery and Sysco for the campaign.

“This is the first theatre visit for many of these kids and, for some, the stocking will be their only gift this year,” says Debbie MacMillan, Making Memories organizing committee member.

By working with local organizations such as The Bridge Youth and Family Services, Okanagan Boys & Girls Clubs, Cops for Kids and Families in Touch, Making Memories ensures that children and families with diverse abilities and economic backgrounds will have the opportunity to experience the magic of ballet.

In addition to baking, Okanagan College students and instructors will also be at the event to distribute the stockings.