Food bank offers more than food
“Jaxon saved my life,” says mom Kassi. “After a car crash over three years ago, I became addicted to opioids. The moment I found out I was pregnant, I never used again.”
Kassi remembers clearly arriving home from Kelowna General Hospital with son Jaxon.
Awaiting her was a “laundry basket full of stuff” from the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank. There were blankets, toys, diapers and the baby basics all new families need courtesy of the Tiny Bundles program. Jaxon — who celebrated his first birthday in late November — loved the blanket so much that Kassi went back into the food bank with a question: “May I have another, please?”
She relates the story now with bright laughter, admitting she felt a little sheepish then (and still to this day) about asking for more from an organization that helps so many. However, as all parents know, when your newborn latches onto something that helps him or her sleep, you’d do anything to keep it safe (including finding an exact replica).
Food bank staff didn’t hesitate and rummaged through the shelves to produce a backup blankie.
“The staff and volunteers at the food bank have such big hearts,” says Kassi.
The exchange started a year-long relationship between Kassi and the food bank that she says has helped her stay focused.
“There are people, like me, who are in spots in life and they need a little extra push. I get emotional talking about it,” Kassi says of the food bank. “It’s a safe place to go and get some help.”
Kassi has successfully completed addictions treatment and is making plans to re-enter the workforce. Without help — which includes the food bank — Kassi readily admits she’d likely be just another statistic of the
opioid crisis.
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