Rotarians get to work collecting for food bank

Daybreak, Ogopogo clubs combine to gather donations

Local Rotarians were collecting non-perishable food donations at Save on Foods in West Kelowna recently to support the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank as a project for Rotary at Work Week.

Lenetta Parry of the food bank said the organization’s Westside branch serves about 800 people each month, with 33 per cent of them children under the age of 15 and another 10 per cent seniors on a Àxed income.

“Food drives like this one, combined with community support, is paramount to keep our shelves stocked,” said Parry.

“We thank Rotarians and our donors for their ongoing generosity and support in our mission to create a healthy, hunger-free community.”

Representatives from the West Kelowna Daybreak and Ogopogo Rotary clubs volunteered to collect the donations during the Ànal weekend of April.

The food bank’s most needed items include beans, canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, granola bars, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, rice, healthy cereals and baby basics.

With the growing season approaching, Parry said donations of fresh produce are always welcome, but need to be dropped off directly at the West Kelowna branch at 2545 Churchill Rd.

For immediate impact, donations can be made securely online at cofoodbank.com.

BARB AGUIAR/Westside Weekly Ezraiah Surinak with her grandmother Geri Surinak of West Kelowna Daybreak Rotary, Bill Hawkins, president of West Kelowna Daybreak Rotary, Ben Towriss with his mom Melissa from West Kelowna Daybreak Rotary and Linda Swanson of Ogopogo Rotary were...