Kelowna senior raises record amount for local school meal program

A Kelowna senior with a history of giving back to the community has just raised a record amount of donations for a local school’s meal program.

“I had been making gift baskets in West Kelowna for the United Church, and so it was just sort of a natural thing – something to do for myself and it’s creative, and the connection with the school and the children – everyone loves it, it’s so good,” said Bev Froom.

For the past three years, Froom has been going around the neighbourhood of Glenmore, collecting donations from local businesses. With those donations, she hand-makes gift baskets, and auctions them off at her retirement home, before giving the funds over to the Watson Road Elementary Schools ‘Fill the Fridge’ meal program.

In her first year, Froom raised $1,500, and last year, $2,300 was raised. This year, after making 45 gift baskets, the 85-year-old was able to donate $3,000 to the school.

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“We are so appreciative of the fact that again, many people can’t even afford groceries right now, and yet they’re able to provide this for our kids,” said Watson Road Elementary School teacher, Lita Beath. “It’s so neat to see how the community helps out the local school — it’s phenomenal.”

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With the help of Bev and other local donors, students will once again be able to access a variety of healthy food options from the school’s main office.

“As you know, kids can’t learn and function throughout the day if they’re not well fed, and so they just know that there is always an option for them now if they come to school without breakfast or they’re just hungry throughout the day,” said Beath. “We are just so grateful.”

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As a thank you to Bev, students from kindergarten to grade 5 came to her retirement home, to sing Christmas carols and spread some holiday cheer.

“I just have to acknowledge the teachers and the enthusiasm, the children – there wasn’t any trouble hearing them, they sing right out and it was so nice, it really was,” said Froom.

Bev’s daughter Kim, who helped organize the silent auction, says the pair hope to continue supporting Watson Road Elementary for years to come.

“It takes a lot of work, but mom is committed, and the community is committed, and her family is committed to help her continue on with that kind of a program, because it just has so many benefits both here and at the school,” said Kim Froom. “It’s a win-win.”