WATCH: Okanagan residents pull through to support Thanks For Giving

KELOWNA — Global Okanagan’s second annual food drive was another success, raising nearly $4000 to support local food banks during the upcoming holiday season.

Locals came on foot and by car to donate food and cash to the cause; some even rolled up with boxes of food balanced on the handlebars of their bike.

Lenetta Parry, director of Kelowna’s local food banks, says the support couldn’t be more timely.

“Thanksgiving is typically a time when families are surrounded by loved ones, eating great food, reflecting on how truly lucky they are, but unfortunately for some in the community, these are difficult times” she says.

Kelowna’s downtown Safeway rolled up with three shopping carts packed with over $700 worth of food and manager Nikki Gaskell says there’s plenty more where that came from.

“I was so excited,” she says. “We had to call in for someone to come and pick up the donations early because we ran out of room. It’s three times the amount that was donated last year.”

The atmosphere at the drive was a positive one, filled with people experiencing the joy that comes only with giving.

“We were able to put together a little bit of food to join everybody else’s efforts here. It’s easy to do and we’re close by,” says Kelowna resident Jesse Pickard. “I just thought I’d get in on the good thing you guys have going on.”

“It feels good,” says Gaskell. “It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of such a great thing.”

No matter how much our viewers are able to give, Parry says every little bit is appreciated.

“The reality is that we can’t support one single family if the community doesn’t support the work we do. It always warms my heart when I see people coming out here, getting involved and helping us out,” she says.

You can still donate to your local food bank online by clicking here.