Huge success for food bank

Photo: Wayne Moore

The Central Okanagan Food Bank collected nearly 94,000 pounds of food during the seventh annual B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive.

"In West Kelowna, we collected over 15,000 pounds of food; in Kelowna we collected over 78,500 pounds ... We doubled last year's 45,000 pounds," said executive director Lenetta Parry. 

Parry said this year's drive came with an added sense of urgency after floods and fires across the province. 

"Typically, during the summer months, we raise about 200,000 pounds of food. This year was half, due to floods and fires affecting our area."

The Central Okanagan Food Bank set a lofty goal of collecting 150,000 pounds of food, and although the goal wasn't reached, Parry said the community should be proud. 

"Saturday was truly a heart-warming day. It was amazing to see the community rally behind us. The hard-working volunteers and staff as well as our generous donors made sure the holidays can be special for everyone," Parry said. 

You can still donate at either the Kelowna or West Kelowna food banks during regular business hours, and financial donations can be made, securely, at www.cofoodbank.com. 

"The success of this event was truly a community effort. We cannot say thank you enough,"  Parry said.