Food bank vital for special-needs family
Ashley’s responsibilities are well beyond her years. The nine-year-old Kelowna girl is big sister to Isaac, whose autism means he needs constant supervision.
He’s trusting to a fault, mom Christine says, because his condition has made him oblivious to danger.
“He would take the hand of a stranger and walk right out of our lives,” Christine says. “His sister helps us out a lot . . . she’s very joyful about being a big sister.” Isaac is six and while his transition into Grade 1 has been “fantastic,” Christine says, that doesn’t mean life has gotten any easier for the family.
He needs special after-school care that costs $25 an hour. His medication — costing the family hundreds of dollars per month — may come under coverage in February, but that’s not a guarantee.
Until then, they’ve turned to the Central Okanagan Community Food Bank for help.
Christine’s family is one you can help by donating to Be an Angel this year. Donations stay here in the Okanagan and go toward the food bank’s Christmas hamper program. The food bank is now preparing roughly 2,000 hampers for needy families.
Christine says the food bank helps fill in gaps government services and their own paycheques don’t cover.
“They help us to manage the excess costs that come with having a child with specific special needs,” she said.
“It’s amazing to have that feeling,” she adds.
The need is great at Christmastime.
“A year from now, we’ll find our way out,” she says. “We want to be an example . . . we’re doing our very best.”
Donate to Be an Angel by visiting kelownadailycourier.ca, calling 250-470-0756 or visiting any branch of Valley First Credit Union. For a list of the latest donations to the campaign,