One of the most heartwarming events of the holiday season takes place tonight at a doorstep near you.
It’s the 39th annual Realtors Food Drive in Greater Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby and volunteers will be braving cold temperatures and going door to door to collect donations for the respective food banks.
You can make sure their efforts result in a bonanza for the less fortunate by leaving a bag full of non-perishable food on your front steps, or answering the door starting at 5 p.m. and giving generously.
This annual event is vital to stocking shelves at the Salvation Army food bank in Vernon, the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club food bank in Armstrong and the Feed Enderby and District Food Bank in the northern part of the valley.
And although Lumby is not participating in tonight’s activities, donations can be dropped off at real estate offices for the village’s food bank.
It’s so easy to participate for residents, yet the impact of this event pays dividends for months when it comes to stocking area food banks’ shelves.
“This is the most critical food drive of the year for us,” said Stefan Reid, of the Salvation Army. “This helps us until at least May.”
The need is there. In Vernon alone, it’s anticipated that 855 hampers will be handed out this Christmas.
So once again please honour the efforts of area realtors, representatives from local financial institutions and the North Okanagan branch of the Early Childhood Educators of B.C., among others, and give generously and ensure this warm-hearted event delivers the goods once again.
