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The Food Bank: Spirit of Christmas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2012 - Kelowna BC, today marks the launch of the Food Bank’s annual Christmas Campaign: The Spirit of Giving. It looks to be another busy year.

“We serve thousands every month, but the need is always greater at Christmas, says Vonnie Lavers, Executive Director for the Kelowna Food Bank. “Christmas is a difficult time for many Okanagan households. The reasons vary: the results are the same –vulnerable individuals and families face a bleak Christmas. Many must choose food and shelter before the joy of the season. Imagine such a Christmas through the eyes of a child. The effects are truly devastating; these memories last a life time.”

Last Christmas set a record at the Food Bank. Over 1,200 individuals, couples and families registered to receive a Christmas hamper, up from 839 in 2010. In addition to staple items Christmas hampers are stuffed with turkey, fresh produce, canned goods and treats, plus toys and gifts for the entire family. Families with children can pay a special visit to our Christmas Store. In addition to a new unwrapped toy, families receive one stuffed animal, one book, stocking stuffers, new mittens, and a new toque per child.

This year, Christmas hamper registration is up. The Food Bank is facing a difficult few months. “These are tough economic times; overall donations are down in light of a diminished capacity for individuals and corporate donors to give.”

Lavers says Christmas puts a huge dent in their winter inventory. “Donations drop off completely in January. We have set a goal to raise $500,000 this December.  It is critical that we reach our campaign target.”

Please help the Food Bank reach their campaign goal. Lavers says there are many ways for individuals and businesses to give this December:

  • Look for your Spirit of Giving donation envelope in the mail, newspapers and community events.
  • Donate non-perishable food items at various community food drives through December.
  • Make an online donation to the Castanet.net Cast-A-Light campaign.
  • Sign up for No Hungry Children and support children’s nutrition programming.
  • Buy BC Coupons – purchase Buy BC Coupons from the checkout at your local grocery store - every $2 buys $6 worth of food.
  • Join the Vital Waters All You Can Drink donor program - 10% of every dollar supports Food Bank programs.
  • Feed the Valley, donate non-perishable food items or make cash donations at any Valley First branch.
  • Hold a festive food drive in your neighbourhood or at your workplace.
  • Send a donation directly to the Kelowna Community Food Bank’s Spirit of Giving Campaign at 1265 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1Z7 or donate online at www.kelownafoodbank.com

The Kelowna Food Bank, located at 1265 Ellis Street, has extended their Christmas hours – they will be open for donations Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. until December 22nd. Donations can also be made online at www.kelownafoodbank.com or at Castanet.net.

Your donations will bring holiday blessings to everyone!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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