Lonely retiree sees path ahead with food bank’s help
What’s your retirement plan? Barb thought she would be enjoying it with her husband, rather than wondering what would be in her food hamper from the Central Okanagan Food Bank each month.
Barb and her husband of 30 years had been planning a move to Vancouver from
Flin Flon, Man. One day after dinner, he asked her to sit down, and she thought he had finally bought a house out west. Instead, he gave her some bad news: He didn’t want to leave Flin Flon, he wanted to leave her.
Instead of cruising into her golden years with her husband, Barb was alone. She left for Kelowna, in the hopes of staying with her daughter. After a few months, her daughter asked her to leave since she could not support her. Alone, with nowhere to turn, Barb felt ashamed. She was embarrassed to ask for help.
Finally, a caring neighbour sensed her need and drove her down to the Central Okanagan Food Bank to apply for assistance.
This was a godsend for Barb, who couldn’t believe how kindly she was treated. Having been shunned twice by her family, she didn’t understand why she would deserve any love or kindness. It was the Central Okanagan Food Bank who gave her that love, and the opportunity to get ahead.
Not one to stay down, she applied at the Academy of Learning and started taking bookkeeping courses. She received honors in all her courses and started working part-time as a bookkeeper. In her spare time, she began knitting mittens and donating them, to give back to her community.
Now retired, her pension covers rent but not much else. Without extra assistance, she wouldn’t have much to eat. Barb is grateful every day for the angel who intervened and drove her down to the Central Okanagan Food Bank all those years ago.
You can Be an Angel, and help people like Barb, by donating at cofoodbank.com/ Be An Angel or by calling the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate by credit card.