It’s difficult to believe that there are people going hungry in a region such as ours, but that is unfortunately the case.
And the face of hunger is changing. Among them are young children whose parents are struggling to make ends meet or seniors whose pensions barely cover the cost of rent. Some residents have lost their job.
It’s because of this new reality that the 38th annual Realtors’ Food Drive is so important.
Starting at 5 p.m. today, realtors will go door to door in Greater Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby and collect much-needed items for the local food banks.
“If this campaign didn’t happen, it would be difficult to meet the needs of the community,” said Ray Lamont, with the Vernon Salvation Army.
About 800 Christmas hampers will be handed out in Vernon and demand is also high in Enderby and Armstrong.
And the food banks don’t just experience pressure during the holidays. This summer, the Salvation Army assisted an average of 1,000 people monthly.
That’s a staggering statistic but we as a community can help make a difference.
And the realtors make it easy to give. Just be prepared with a bag or two of food donations and leave it on your front step for collection in Greater Vernon, Armstrong and Enderby (in Lumby, donations can be dropped off at real estate offices).
The most significant aspect of the campaign, though, is to remember that you aren’t helping a faceless stranger. Your donation could benefit your co-worker, your neighbour, the senior sitting next to you on the bus or your child’s best friend at school.
And given life’s uncertainty — illness, unemployment, relationship breakup — it could be you needing the food bank.
Be generous and do your part.
