Huge donation for Starfish

The Vernon Starfish Packs Program was presented with a cheque worth almost $6,000 on Wednesday.

The Great West Equipment Christmas Silent Auction raised $5,775 for the program that will support 11 student backpacks this coming year.

"We get letters home from the moms, that are like, 'we can get the basics for our kids," said Jennifer Cramer Lewis, director of donations. "'This just adds so much to our life to not have to worry about getting more than the basics."'

The Vernon Starfish Pack alone currently delivers 93 backpacks to School District 22 elementary schools. These backpacks feed approximately 130 children in Vernon each weekend.

Every Friday the kids are sent home with a backpack stuffed with food, that is brought back empty on Monday and refilled again for the next weekend by volunteers.

“We support the Starfish Program as we want to support the community in areas that to us make a meaningful impact,” said Rob Rintoul, chief financial officer, Great West Equipment. “Youth is often our focus as there is great potential in every child."

If you are interested in volunteering for the Vernon Starfish Packs Program head on down to the Salvation Army Foodbank on 23rd Street Thursday's at 9 a.m.

To learn more or support this program in your community or others please visit their website.