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BCLC's Love Local BC will help those in need in so many ways

It's time to Love Local BC

From now until Dec. 10, 2021, B.C. residents can help alleviate hunger, support local businesses and cross off their holiday shopping list through a BCLC’s new virtual fundraiser called Love Local BC. The initiative comes at a critical time as many communities recover from recent flooding.

For the duration of the fundraiser, all purchases and silent auction bids made through Love Local BC will have double the impact.

BCLC is sponsoring a number of specially curated items and gift cards from local businesses, making them available for purchase on the Love Local BC page. When an item is purchased or successfully bid on, the contribution will go directly to one of 11 partner food banks throughout B.C., including the Central Okanagan Food Bank and the Kamloops Food Bank. This means that both local businesses and charitable organizations will receive valuable support during these challenging times.

“As an organization with a social purpose to generate win-wins for the greater good, BCLC developed the Love Local BC initiative as one way to do just that,” says Peter ter Weeme, BCLC’s chief social purpose officer and vice-president of player experience. “We’re proud to support communities, non-profit organizations and local businesses throughout the province as part of this important virtual fundraiser that comes at such a pivotal time of need here in B.C.”

In addition, everyone who bids on a silent auction item, successful or not, or purchases a gift card, will be entered into a grand prize draw worth up to $5,500. This exciting prize includes a one-night stay at Parq Vancouver in one of the hotel’s most luxurious suites, generously donated by Parq Vancouver.

The continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic compounded by the summer heat dome event, the largest wildfire season yet and recent flooding have significantly increased demands for food bank services and stretched resources.

“Since March 2020, clients accessing the Central Okanagan Food Bank has increased and we are now providing food assistance to 54,000 individuals per year—34 per cent are children and youth, and 20 per cent are seniors living on a fixed income,” says Tammy Watson, chief development officer for the Central Okanagan Food Bank. “Corporate partnerships with community leaders such as BCLC and funds raised through Love Local BC allows the Food Bank to continue to be there for local families in need and is?one of the longest lasting?contributions?that can be made?towards?nourishing our community for tomorrow.”

In 2020, the Kamloops Food Bank distributed approximately three million pounds of food to more than 5,500 individuals in need. In addition, its Starfish Backpacks and Baby Bank programs help feed 130 school-aged children annually and provide necessities such as formula, diapers and baby foods to families in need.

“We are grateful to our community and to BCLC for stepping up time and time again,” says Bernadette Siracky, executive director for the Kamloops Food Bank. “Everyone deserves to have healthy, delicious meals, especially during the holidays. Support through initiatives such as Love Local BC goes a long way in helping us deliver critical food supports throughout Kamloops.”

Kamloops and Kelowna residents will be delighted to see some of the community’s favourite local businesses featured in Love Local BC.

In Kamloops, Your Escape Day Spa, Hello Toast, Earls and Red Wing Shoes are amongst some of the participating businesses.

Kelowna-based participating businesses include Okanagan Lifestyle Apparel, the Okanagan Table and SPINCO.

BCLC also partnered with six casinos across the province to host onsite food drives in co-ordination with the fundraiser. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, 2021, Chances Casino Kelowna will collect non-perishable food items on behalf of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

For more information about Love Local BC, to purchase a gift card or to bid on a silent auction item, please visit: https://trellis.org/love-local-bc.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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