Greater Vernon residents are making a difference by supporting those in need.
The Salvation Army has raised $380,610, with seven days remaining in the annual fundraising campaign. That is 74 per cent of the $513,769 required to balance the budget in 2016.
“It has been a wonderful Christmas season,” said Capt. Jean-Curtis Plante.
“We have had incredible community support, amazing volunteers and have surpassed a number of milestones this year. Our Christmas kettle campaign alone has received the highest total in the history of the kettle campaign in Vernon.”
As of Thursday, the kettles have received $150,697, passing the all-time high raised in 2014 of $149,114.
This year, the food bank was able to distribute 857 hampers to 1,264 clients in need.
“We provided 2,102 gifts to 602 children whose family would have been otherwise unable to give them a Christmas gift,” said Plante.
“With the highest demand for assistance ever recorded in Vernon, the community has matched the need with a beautiful giving spirit. We cannot express enough our gratitude to those gave of themselves this year to put those in need first.”
Donations can be made at http://vernonhouseofhope.com/
