Be An Angel: Food bank helping Kelowna residents through challenging times

Photo: Contributed

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

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Ever since Elaine was a young child, she had a passion for cooking. This passion stemmed from spending countless hours with her grandmother in the kitchen, connecting over making many classic family recipes. Elaine had a rewarding career in the hospitality industry; she loved bringing people together over a beautiful warm meal.

However, Elaine never pictured herself in the position she is currently faced with. A few years ago, Elaine’s husband unexpectantly passed away, leaving her a widow who was forced to raise her son on a single income. Addiction led her down a dark path, but she eventually gathered the courage to ask for help, which was a brave but extremely difficult feat. Through resilience and self-determination Elaine was able to get healthy.

While residing at the Karis House in Kelowna, she had her first introduction to the food bank. Originally, Elaine was embarrassed about using the food bank, however she can’t imagine not having received the support over the last year while she was in a vulnerable position. Eventually she was diagnosed with Celiac disease, which led to the food bank supplying her with a special dietary needs hamper with all gluten free foods. Elaine is forever grateful for the food bank’s services and is eager to give back in the form of cooking by volunteering at the Kelowna location once the community kitchen is built.

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.