Pregnancy challenges turn into financial burden: A family’s journey with support from COFB

Food bank helps new family

Photo: COFB

Ari, Jamie and their daughter.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Jamie and Ari have always been planners, working toward their future goals.

When they found out they were expecting their first child, they felt ready and excited. Both had great, stable jobs, with Jamie working in early childhood education and Ari in sales. They carefully prepared for their growing family, anticipating a smooth transition into parenthood.

But Jamie’s pregnancy was complicated from the start and her doctors advised her to go on bed rest early on in her pregnancy. With Jamie immobile, she was unable to work as planned. Ari too found himself working fewer hours in order to care for Jamie and their household needs.

Jamie’s pregnancy complications worsened, and she ended up needing to be hospitalized in Vancouver for three weeks leading up to the birth of their daughter. The couple found themselves off track from the plan they created for themselves. When their daughter was born and the couple made it back home, it was a relief to have everyone home and healthy.

Jamie and Ari were thankful to be home with their baby, but they had not planned on taking so much time off from work or spending so much time away from home. The bills were piling up.

They learned about the Central Okanagan Food Bank from a friend and signed up for the Tiny Bundles program, which helps them with diapers, baby food, and fresh produce while their daughter is an infant. With the support of the food bank, the family is able to focus on recovering financially.

“It’s been a tough year, but we’re so grateful for the support we received from COFB,” said Ari.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Jamie, Ari, and their daughter.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Devastated by fire, grateful for support: A family’s story with COFB and the community

Food bank steps in to help

Photo: COFB

Daniel and his family lost their home in a fire and the Central Okanagan Food Bank stepped in to help.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Living in Kelowna with his wife and four children, Daniel and his wife worked hard to build a good life for their family. They could never have imagined they would lose their beloved home in a fire. But that's exactly what happened this year.

Their family was thankfully safe, but the fire destroyed most of their belongings. The emotional toll was significant, not just for Daniel and his wife, but for their children, who were suddenly displaced from the only home they'd ever known.

In the aftermath, Daniel and his family moved into temporary housing, relying on the support of friends, family, neighbours and the community to help them get back on their feet. The Central Okanagan Food Bank provided the family with pantry staples, fresh produce and meats, and afterschool snacks for the kids.

Preparing familiar meals gave the kids a sense of comfort amidst the upheaval. Daniel’s family is grateful for the ongoing support, which has allowed them to focus on rebuilding without the constant worry of where their next meal would come from.

While this Christmas will look very different from previous years, the special Christmas hamper from COFB will allow them to still have their family’s traditional turkey dinner on Christmas day. Daniel and his wife are appreciative of all the kindness their family has received and says that the community’s help has been invaluable in helping them regain stability.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for those in need, such as Daniel and his family.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Dual income not enough so family seeks help from food bank

Tough making ends meet

Photo: COFB

Erin, Paul and their daughter.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Erin and Paul arrived in Kelowna this summer with hopes of building a secure future for themselves and their toddler.

Coming from the prairies, much of Paul’s family is in the Okanagan and the couple wanted to be closer to them for their daughter’s sake. Paul had a stable job with a nationwide company, and Erin was working part-time while studying accounting. They were happy with the move and spending time with family, working, and exploring their new community.

Soon after the move, the company Paul worked for made unexpected cuts, and everything changed. Without warning, Paul found himself without a job.

“Losing that job was a big blow,” Paul said.

With limited options, he took up work in food service and delivery driving, while Erin started working full-time. While grateful for the work, the reality of their situation soon became clear. The wages from these jobs were much lower than what Paul had been bringing home before, and despite both of them working long hours, they were struggling to keep up with their bills.

“We work all the time, but it feels like we’re barely making enough to survive.”

Though they both continue to search for better-paying jobs, the sheer number of hours they spend working makes it difficult to focus on job hunting full time. The couple also wants to focus on spending time with their daughter when they’re home. They feel stuck.

The Central Okanagan Food Bank has provided the small family with food and Erin and Paul are appreciative of the assistance that having pantry staples and fresh milk and produce provides. It’s hard to admit how bad our financial situation had gotten, Paul explained.

“I’m so grateful to know that there is food coming in and we don’t need to worry about lunch or snacks for our daughter for the week.”

For now, the couple is doing everything they can to make ends meet, and are hopeful that things will get better soon. One day, they say they want to give back to the food bank and reciprocate the support they have received.

“Everything cycles back around,” Paul said.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Erin, Paul and their daughter.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Single dad unable to work due to declining health grateful for food bank

Happy for the help

Photo: COFB

Bradley and his young son.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Bradley visited the Okanagan for the first time in 2010 and was so moved by the beauty and access of the outdoors that upon returning home to Ontario, he began working towards moving here right away.

Bradley went back to school in order to have a profession in technology that made him a good living and allowed him more opportunity. After his schooling, he began his new career as an IT technician and by 2017, he had saved enough money to move to a new life with a new job waiting for him in Kelowna.

The life Bradley worked hard to create for himself was stable and content for him and his growing family.

His medical issues began slowly with some slight problems using his hands. He and his doctor figured out solutions and adaptations to work with his pain and developing mobility issues. At first these adaptations worked, but with time, his mobility issues worsened and Bradley could no longer depend on his hands for work or daily tasks, making it difficult to even physically care for his young son. Diagnosed with severe bi-lateral carpal tunnel, Bradley had lost his ability to work, as his job and career field relies on his working directly with his hands.

Now, Bradley is making it through strictly on medical EI to support himself and his young son. On top of the deep frustrations with his health and work as well as the challenges of being recently divorced and a single parent, Bradley is now faced with financial difficulties. His fixed income is low and the cost of living is high.

He is new to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, and after receiving his first hamper expressed gratitude for the help, expressing that his perspective on life had grown dim but knowing that the food bank was here to support his son and him brightened his view. He looks forward to leaving out milk and cookies for Santa with his son on Christmas Eve this year.

When asked what he wants others to understand about people that use the food bank, Bradley said, “You never know. You just never know what will happen to you.”

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Bradley and his son.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Young entrepreneur lifted up by community and Central Okanagan Food Bank

Finding help when needed

Photo: COFB

Allison found the Central Okanagan Food Bank there when she needed it.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Allison always dreamed of running her own business and contributing to the local economy.

With a passion for serving her community, she invested in business courses at Okanagan College, absorbing everything she could about finance, operations, and customer service. When Allison opened the doors to her small business, she wanted it to be a place where customers felt valued and connected.

For a time, things looked promising. Allison was proud of what she was building. But as the end of last year approached, cracks began to show. Her rent increased, the cost of supplies and utilities steadily climbed each month, she noticed her customers were spending less. Despite her best efforts, Allison soon realized that continuing was no longer sustainable.

With bills still piling up and savings nearly depleted, Allison knew she had to pivot quickly. She found work with another local business and began to rebuild her financial footing. Looking for support through this financial upheaval, Allison found the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Initially, she was hesitant to seek support with COFB, but her bank statements pushed her to go.

“I didn’t think I was the type of person who should use the food bank," she said. "But then I realized my situation was only getting worse and I had to find help. I was only eating noodles everyday.”

Allison wants to focus on giving back to her community again one day soon. Until then, she’s thankful for the aid she is able to receive. Allison shared that surprisingly, going to the food bank made her feel like she was part of her community again.

“It feels huge to be supported,” she added.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for those experiencing challenging times, like Allison.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday table: Death in the family brings financial hardship

Couple using food bank

Photo: COFB

Peter and Shelley

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Shelley and Peter, a hardworking West Kelowna couple, never expected that the past couple of years would bring them to the doors of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Shelley, an executive assistant and Peter, a mechanic, believed they were prepared to weather life’s challenges. But sometimes, life throws curveballs that even the most prepared can’t anticipate.

The turning point came with the loss of Shelley’s parents, who both passed away within a year of each other. The grief of losing them was compounded by the financial burden left behind- unexpected funeral expenses and lingering debts that needed urgent attention.

What had once been a manageable financial situation for Shelley and Peter quickly turned into a precarious one. Month by month, the couple found themselves stretching their paycheques further than ever before, living off a line of credit and struggling to cover bills.

It was over the summer that a family friend suggested COFB. Initially, Shelley and Peter hesitated. Both worked full-time and wondered if seeking help from the food bank was even an option for people like them. It was difficult to reconcile their current reality with the pride they had always taken in being able to provide for themselves. But faced with hard choices like majorly cutting groceries or missing bill payments, they decided to visit the food bank.

Shelley recalls the anxiety as they walked through the doors. But the warm welcome and understanding from the volunteers and staff at COFB eased their worries.

“It wasn’t just food, it was compassion,” Shelley said.

The couple realized the food bank was not just for those without jobs, but for anyone facing unexpected life hurdles.

With the support of COFB, Shelley and Peter found a bit of relief from the weight that had been pressing on them. Accessing fresh produce and pantry staples allowed them to focus on paying down debts and finding stability without the worry of mealtime.

In sharing their story, Shelley and Peter want others to understand that anyone can find themselves in need of help. The couple remains determined to rebuild and, when they can, pass the kindness that they have received on to others.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Shelley and Peter.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate by credit card.

• 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.

Set the Holiday Table: Newly divorced woman starts over

OK to get food bank's help

Photo: COFB

Michelle was helped by the Central Okanagan Food Bank after her divorce.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

When Michelle’s children left for university last year, she and her husband divorced.

Michelle never imagined her life would shift so drastically so quickly, but she thought starting fresh would be a good thing. She prided herself on her independence, so her life changes felt exciting at first, if bittersweet.

Soon after moving into her own house, Michelle made adjustments to her lifestyle, cutting out small luxuries, trading in her car for a more economical vehicle, stopped purchasing any non-essentials. Despite her efforts, her credit card debt was getting higher and higher and she realized she wasn’t as financially secure as she hoped to be.

Michelle went back to work after her divorce, but discovered her options were limited. She enjoyed her new job in retail, but it wasn’t providing enough to meet all her needs. She found herself struggling to make ends meet and without much support.

“I didn’t have any close family or friends to turn to, and I felt lost,” she sad.

Michelle saw a Central Okanagan Food Bank truck on the road while driving home from work and decided to stop by the food bank for information.

“I was embarrassed at first, but I think it’s okay to ask for help,” she said.

The food bank provided stability for Michelle during a difficult time. She wasn’t skipping lunches anymore to save on her grocery bill. Now, she is working toward bettering her financial situation. She’s signed up for a stress management workshop with COFB’s More Than Food Program, which focuses on life skills and other financial and food literacy for clients.

“I’m starting to feel like myself again. I want to be a good example for my children.”

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families experiencing challenging times.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday Table: Young university grad becomes sole family caretaker

Helped by the food bank

Photo: COFB

With the help of the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Michael can prepare nutritious meals for himself and his father, who is battling cancer.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Michael, in his early 20s, just earned his degree at university in Alberta.

As he was starting to think about the next exciting chapter of his life, things took a more unexpected turn. Michael’s father was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and his health was declining more rapidly than anyone expected. With Michael’s parents being separated, and no siblings or other family in the province, responsibility fell to him to care for his father.

Suddenly, Michael found himself back home in Kelowna juggling the demands of caregiving with the need to support his own life. He was cooking special meals for his father to accommodate his new dietary needs, getting him to doctor’s appointments, providing mobility assistance, and taking on the daily responsibilities of managing the household.

His father, who had been living very modestly on a fixed income, couldn’t contribute much to the household expenses. Michael himself was not earning much money due to the circumstances. He found himself in a tough spot, paying for groceries, gas, bills, and his student loans, all while trying to provide for both of them.

After searching online for resources, he discovered the Central Okanagan Food Bank and reached out for support. With the food bank’s help, Michael is able to prepare nutritious meals for his father without worrying so much about the cost of groceries. The food bank provides food tailored to the specific dietary needs that his dad’s health requires.

“I wish we had known about the food bank sooner,” Michael said.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for those in need, like Michael and his father.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday Table: Twins bring joy but financial troubles to couple

Food Bank's Tiny Bundles

Photo: COFB

Maya and Jay were helped by the Central Okanagan Food Bank's Tiny Bundles program when their twins were born.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Maya and Jay were surprised to learn they were pregnant with twins.

They excitedly prepared as much as they could to welcome two newborns into their family. But another surprise came when the twins were born prematurely, a whole two months before their due date. The twins were in the NICU for months after they were born and Maya and Jay found themselves in a situation they could never have prepared for.

It was an incredibly stressful time for the family, emotionally and financially. Plans for pregnancy, birth, and infancy looked completely different than they had planned and they lost a year's worth of savings in less than six months. When the twins were released from the hospital, Maya and Jay were faced with taking care of two newborns, their toddler, and not enough money to meet their circumstances. It became clear that their financial situation was unsustainable.

A nurse at the hospital suggested they look into the Central Okanagan Food Bank’s Tiny Bundles program, which provides diapers, baby formula, and fresh produce each week to families in need with infants under one year old.

“I fought it. I felt like the food bank wasn’t for me,” Maya said. “It felt like something for other people, but not for us. I was embarrassed to even think about asking for help.”

But with the stress of caring for three young children and managing the constant needs of a growing family, Jay convinced his wife to visit COFB.

She’s glad they did, stating, “The food bank has been unbelievably helpful during this time. It’s really helped us manage our situation.”

Maya shares how picking up food and supplies has not been what she thought it would be. Instead, it’s been comfortable, friendly, and “a lifesaver.” Maya and Jay look forward to a calm holiday season this year, hopefully without any more big surprises.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for those in need, like Maya, Jay, and their children.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday Table: Client-turned-volunteer's success story at food bank

Giving back to food bank

Photo: CFOB

Once. client at the Central Okanagan Food Bank, Erica is now a volunteer helping other clients.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

A vibrant 80-year-old West Kelowna resident, Erica found the courage to walk away from her abusive marriage five years ago.

She left with only the clothes on her back. She knew leaving her marriage was the right decision, but immediately was faced with financial challenges. Erica had no savings, vehicle, or place to go. Living with her son until saving enough of her pension to rent an apartment was a victory. After she moved, she found that her fixed income wasn’t enough to cover her expenses and save any money to get a leg up on her situation.

Before she retired Erica worked as a camp cook, making her skilled at creating meals from very little. Even so, she knew she needed more resources to get by and remain healthy. Her grocery budget was too small for her to feel in good health everyday. The first time Erica went to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, she cried from humiliation. But she said the staff and volunteers made her feel safe and seen. She started to wonder why more people who are in need like her weren’t going to the food bank.

Living in a building with many other seniors, Erica found herself taking on a role as a caretaker for others. She would cook meals and baked goods from the foods she received in her hamper and share them with her neighbours, particularly those who lived alone. Erica knew from experience how her neighbours might need help but be too embarrassed to ask for it.

In less than a year, Erica was able to get her financial situation under control and no longer needed to rely on the food bank. However, she continues to visit COFB, not to pick up food but to help pack it for others. Volunteering her time to give food to those who need it feels like the right thing to do for Erica, who says she hopes to continue helping others through challenging times for as long as she can.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for those in need.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday Table: Priced out of rental market, couple gets help from food bank

Family helped by food bank

Photo: COFB

Chelsea, Eli and their two children were helped by the Central Okanagan Food Bank when their housing costs increased, stretching their finances.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

For six years, Chelsea, Eli, and their two children had been comfortable in their rented home in Kelowna.

They were in a neighbourhood they loved and the kids were doing well in their school. They were stable. But when the house was sold and they had to leave their rental, the family found themselves facing a housing market that no longer aligned with their budget.

When Chelsea and Eli first started looking for a new place to rent, they were shocked by the steep rise in rental prices.

“We knew we’d had a good deal on rent but didn’t realize just how rare what we had was,” Eli said.

With no way to afford a similar home in their preferred area where they wouldn’t have to change schools for the kids, Chelsea and Eli signed a lease on a new rental that they knew was stretching their finances.

“We thought we’d be able to make it work,” Chelsea said.

It soon became clear that the higher rent was more than just a financial challenge. It was limiting their ability to cover other essentials. Despite their best efforts to budget carefully, the cost of rent, food, utilities, and everyday needs was unachievable. They couldn’t seem to find a cheaper spot to rent for their family and were stuck in their too-expensive lease. Chelsea and Eli didn’t want to fall behind on bills or cut food, but were in a tough situation.

The decision to go to the food bank wasn’t easy. Like many, Chelsea and Eli didn’t want to rely on external help. But when they received their first hamper from the Central Okanagan Food Bank, the relief was immediate.

“It was such a huge weight lifted off our shoulders to see this box full of food for us,” Chelsea said. The kids received Snack Packs with afterschool snacks, just like they used to eat before the move.

Chelsea and Eli are grateful for the support they have received from COFB. They know they’re not alone in this challenging time.

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec. 1 to Dec 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Chelsea, Eli, and their children.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donate online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Call the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Drop by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.

Set the Holiday Table: Phone scam victim seeks aid from food bank

Scammed senior gets help

Photo: CFOB

Rita, a Kelowna senior, was the victim of a telephone scam and had to turn to the Central Okanagan Food Bank for help.

Castanet is proud to partner with the Central Okanagan Food Bank for the Set the Holiday Table campaign. This month, we will be sharing the stories of local residents helped by the organization.

Rita, a senior and longtime Kelowna resident, never imagined that one phone call would change the course of her life.

Over the summer, Rita fell victim to a phone scam that left her financially vulnerable. The scammers were convincing and she sent them a large sum of money, thinking it was a legitimate transaction. It wasn’t until it was too late that Rita—with the assistance of her bank and her family members—realized she had been scammed. The loss was financially devastating.

As a senior on a fixed income, Rita had long been careful with her spending, budgeting each month to make ends meet. But the sudden loss of this money was a blow she could barely recover from. Without any financial cushion to fall back on, Rita found herself in a difficult situation, and after a few months she was skipping multiple meals each week. “I never thought something like this could happen to me,” Rita reflects. “I’ve worked all my life, I try to be kind and careful, but this scam was something else.”

Rita’s pride made it hard for her to reach out for help. She had always been the one to give, not the one to ask. But as her financial situation became more strained, she had to face the reality that she needed support. Rita turned to the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Upon receiving her first hamper she felt relief.

“It gave me peace of mind. I could spend lunch time with my grandchildren without worrying about having the ingredients,” she said.

One of the things that brings Rita the most joy is cooking for her grandchildren. She watches them regularly, and food has always been a way for her to show her love and care. With the help of COFB, Rita has been able to prepare meals for her grandchildren, making sure they have healthy, home-cooked meals whenever they visit. She looks forward to having them over for pancakes at Christmas time and baking cookies together.

For Rita, the food bank has been more than just a service, it’s been a reminder of the kindness that still exists in the world. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of community.

“I’m thankful for the food bank. It’s nice knowing that there’s always someone who cares.”

This season, donate to COFB’s Set the Holiday Table and your donation will be matched up to a total of $125,000 from Dec.1 to Dec. 31. Your donation means meals for local families in need, like Rita and her grandchildren.

You can contribute to Set the Holiday Table by:

• Donating online at cofoodbank.com/settheholidaytable.

• Calling the Central Okanagan Food Bank at 250-763-7161 to donate.

• Dropping by the Central Okanagan Food Bank office between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday to donate.