Food bank helping to fill gap after family’s income takes a hit
Thomas needs a yearly Energy Plex pass for Christmas, but not nearly as much as his mother, Amy. Amy is your average, fun-loving mom tending to her very energetic four-year-old son, Thomas.
Thomas is a happy little boy in constant motion.
“He’s a busy, busy boy,” says his mom. “He’s really smart. He’s really active and has a sweet heart.”
With a donation, you can Be an Angel to families like this one. Amy lost her job when the financial institution she worked for closed its Canadian offices. Thomas’s dad hurt himself at work and isn’t bringing in as much money.
Amy is also helping take care of her mother and father, who have their own health issues.
It’s what led Amy to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank. She’s one of the roughly 2,250 adults who rely on the food bank each month. Thomas represents one of the nearly 1,200 children who receive help in a typical month.
Amy said that while she was nervous the first time she walked through the food bank’s doors, her mind was quickly put at ease.
“You won’t feel judged . . . . The food bank helps so many people.
“There were times when we did not have much of anything in the fridge,” Amy adds. “The food bank helped a lot.”
The food bank is especially vital around the holidays. Mom says Thomas would be happy with Lego, Play-Doh or a toboggan.
“That yearly Energy Plex pass would go a long way to channelling Thomas’s need to stay in motion.”
You can Be an Angel four ways: drop by The Daily Courier office 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays to donate cash or by cheque, debit or credit card; use your credit card to donate online at KelownaDailyCourier.ca (click on the Be an Angel logo); make a contribution at any Valley First Credit Union branch; or use your credit card over the phone by calling The Daily Courier at 250-470-0756.
All contributors will be recognized with their name in the paper, and all donors who give $20 or more will receive a tax receipt.