The frosty temperatures Thursday morning didn’t cool the enthusiasm of the volunteers and customers at United Way’s Drive-Thru Breakfast at the Best Western Vernon Lodge.
Smiling volunteers passed out hot Tim Hortons coffee, shined windows, the Vernon Vipers gave out tickets to their Friday exhibition game – all before they handed out the blue breakfast bags full of goodies.
The breakfast that kicks off the United Way’s fall campaign raised $11,400 on the crisp but sunny morning, down from last year’s total of $12,540.
“We definitely had fewer attendees but the ones that came were very generous,” said executive director Linda Yule.
One factor was the absence of school and far fewer people supporting the drive-thru on their way to class.
The community support for the drive-thru breakfast was strong with many people volunteering their time including the Queen Silver Star royalty, VantageOne, Nixon Wenger, Vernon Fire Department, Vernon Vipers and many more.
Lawyer Tom Christensen thanks his first job at a gas station for the window washing skills that came in handy at the drive-thru.
The United Way supports 24 community agencies that cover all sectors of the community including prenatal nutrition, after school programs, programs for people with disabilities, and good morning calls so that seniors can live independently.
The annual event is a fun way to support these important programs and get a bag full of food and treats to last throughout the day.
