The tradition of community supporting community is alive and well.
A total of $12,560 was raised during the United Way’s annual Drive-Thru Breakfast fundraiser at the Best Western Plus Vernon Lodge Thursday. The funds will support the activities of 27 non-profit organizations.
“Demand for the agencies’ services is increasing year over year and their resources are stretched. United Way is here to help,” said Linda Yule, executive director.
Without possibly realizing it, those people picking up breakfast bags have a link to the agencies.
“They know someone touched by United Way because one in three people are,” said Yule.
Last year, the event raised $12,300.
A steady line of vehicles made their way through the parking lot Thursday to get their bags.
“So many people came through with great donations,” said Yule.
A small army of volunteers was on scene to distribute the bags, including Wayne Lippert, Vernon’s mayor, who was shouting, “Come on down,” in an attempt to keep traffic flowing.
While Lippert is used to juggling political issues, he also demonstrated an ability for catching bags tossed to him.
“I used to be a ballplayer,” he said of his skills.
Also lending a hand was Enderby Mayor Dee Wejr.
“It’s a fun thing to do and United Way supports the entire North Okanagan,” said Wejr.
“The Family Place in Enderby has benefitted from United Way.”
Other volunteers served coffee, handed out newspapers and washed windshields.
“I’ve done a few of these before,” said Keith Green, Vernon fire chief, who learned how to handle a squeegee while washing fire trucks.
The Drive-Thru Breakfast was the kick-off to the United Way’s annual campaign, which hopes to raise $300,000.
