It’s amazing what a little ice and a pail of water can do for charity.
Over the past month, millions have been raised around the world for the ALS Society, the organization that hopes to find a cure for what is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The society has benefitted enormously from a global, viral ice bucket challenge involving celebrities and regular everyday people. Somebody challenges someone to douse themselves with a bucket of ice water and donate to ALS. A video of the event is then posted on social media.
It’s been a win-win for everyone involved, not to mention a lot of fun. Congratulations to all involved.
However, it should also be noted that other charities could use a boost at this time as Vernon Salvation Army food bank shelves and coffers have again dwindled to the bare minimum.
“We’re out of rice, cereal, canned veggies, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce and brown beans,” stated Salvation Army community ministries director David MacBain.
The B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive collection week is slated for Sept. 8 to 13 in Vernon with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints organizing the drive with the help of Rotarians.
Bags will be left on door steps for residents to fill with non-perishable items, then place on their doorsteps to be collected by volunteers.
Beyond Vernon, summer is also a time when resources decrease at the food banks in Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby and Lake Country, and yet demand also remains constant as residents struggle in today’s economic climate.
All charities, of course, deserve recognition and the community’s support, and the food bank is certainly no exception.
They provide a beneficial service to those who experience challenge providing for themselves, and they’re asking for help. Those they assist may be a neighbour, co-worker or loved one. It may be you some time in the future.
