A charity that helps tens of thousands of starving people in developing countries needs a helping hand of its own.
The Okanagan chapter of Canadian Food for Children has just over two months to find a new location to do their work or else it may shut down.
The local president, Joanne Martin, said the group has been operating out of a building in Penticton’s industrial neighbourhood but is getting evicted because the landlord needs to use the space.
They’ve been getting discounted rent and Martin has no hard feelings towards the landlord.
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“They’ve been so good to us over the years,” she said. “We’re caught in a bad place. We don’t have much money. We’re too old, so we only have one fundraiser in a year.”
Martin said most of the volunteers are over 65 years old. But despite their age, they work many dedicated hours, sending food, clothing and supplies to more than 30 developing countries.
Martin said their work also helps the environment.
“We send out 27,000 pounds every six weeks, that’s a lot of stuff we’re keeping out of the landfill.”
Martin said they’re looking for cheap space that’s about 1,500 square feet with a loading zone. They can afford about $1,000 a month.
She is concerned if they don’t find a new building, they will have to shut down.
“We’d be all very heartbroken,” she said. “Are those children going to go hungry or are they going to die? That’s what I lay awake at night thinking about.”
If you’d like to help, contact Martin at 250-493-5998.
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