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Citizens of Penticton and around the South Okanagan continue to help their neighbours in the Similkameen Valley facing a long road to recovery from historic flooding.
Princeton and its rural areas have seen many homes ruined and critical infrastructure damaged, putting pressure on local families, especially ahead of this holiday season.
The Penticton Community Soupateria Society helped out last week by sending the lion's share of a major donation from Penticton's Superstore down to Princeton.
"We kept a small portion for the Soupateria services, and it was a no brainer to ship the rest to the food bank in Princeton," explained Roderick Strike, Soupateria president.
The Soupateria also donated from their pantry 15 tins of coffee, 100kg rice, 20kg sugar and 15kg dried vegetable soup mix.
Their annual toonie campaign is currently in full swing as well, with $2 buying a full turkey dinner for anyone in need on Christmas Day.
Further south in Oliver, their local Kiwanis Club put their heads together to raise $5,000 for flood relief.
"The truth is that something like this can happen to any of us. So it's nice to be able to support our neighbours in their time of need," said president Amanda Urry.
"And that's really what the club is all about. Supporting the community and the communities around us to make sure that everybody is getting what they need."
They encourage others to offer their support through a special fund set up through the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, specifically for Princeton and area victims.
"We have a tax receipt system, so it's really easy. And we're just a flow-through fund," explained CFSOS community development officer Kim English.
"So the donations go right to the town. And it's exciting because Mayor Spencer Coyne and the town have determined that they want 100 per cent of the donations to flow through to individuals. And that's great."
The foundation has a goal of $1 million to be given directly to victims in the area.
And Neighbourhood Brewing, along with dozens of other Penticton and Kelowna businesses, are continuing their "Fill the Truck" campaign.
One load of goods and gift cards for flood victims is being gathered by Tuesday Dec. 7, and another opportunity is coming up on Dec. 21 to drop off supplies at any of a collection of local businesses* if you miss this week's deadline. See below for the complete list.
*Please note Earls Kelowna is not included, only the Penticton location.
