Be an Angel: Central Okanagan Food bank helping a survivor get by

Photo: Contributed

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank on their 27th annual 'Be An Angel' campaign. Over the next month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

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Natasha is the definition of a survivor, in more ways than one. When she was pregnant with her son, she was diagnosed with throat cancer. At a time that was meant to be one of the most exciting moments of her life, she found it difficult to celebrate and not be fearful of her and her unborn child’s future. Fortunately for Natasha, she was able to have immediate surgery to have the cancer removed without complications, but this wouldn’t be the only time she beat the disease as it would come back again years later.

Eventually she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. She enjoyed motherhood and was grateful to celebrate life with her family. However, not long after her son was born, the relationship with her partner changed and she began to experience both mental and physical abuse. To protect herself and her son, she relocated to West Kelowna. Being a single parent has proven to be extremely challenging in today’s economic landscape. She struggles to find balance between obtaining full-time work and securing affordable childcare.

Although it breaks Natasha’s heart to be away from her family, the volunteers at the COFB in West Kelowna make her feel like family. She has grown a true appreciation for the people that volunteer their time to help others and hopes to be in the position to give back one day. The one thing Natasha is most grateful for is knowing that her now 6-year-old son has food in the cupboards and snacks to enjoy.

Natasha wants anyone who is facing food insecurity to know that you don’t have to struggle - there is no shame in needing the food bank’s services and if you don’t feel comfortable asking for yourself, do it so your kids don’t have to go hungry.

You can Be an Angel three ways:???

• Donate online at www.cofoodbank.com/BeAnAngel??
• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate by credit card, or??
• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate by cash, cheque, debit, or credit card

Donations are accepted Dec 1st until Dec 31st. The Thomas Alan Budd Foundation will match all individual donations by 20% (excluding corporate, foundations and estate gifts) up to a maximum.