Vernon Salvation Army's Food Bank expansion project has gotten off to a rolling start.
Kal Tire, long-time Vernon-based community booster, chipped in $10,000 to the Sally Ann's 30 Days of Giving Campaign in September as the organization began its expansion.
Jamie Shillingford, Kal Tire's marketing manager of stores, said his company recognizes the growing need for food bank support among families and individuals across the country.
"It's crucial for local businesses and private donors to unite in strengthening our communities," said Shillingford. "Through our community programs, Kal Tire is committed to making continuous improvements across all aspects of our company, while acknowledging our responsibility to our customers, each other, our communities, and the environment."
Added Kyla Braun, Kal Tire's marketing and community programs coordinator: "We are proud to contribute to the 30 Days of Giving campaign, helping to rebuild a functional and dignified food bank experience for those in need."
The Salvation Army announced in early September that the current home of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on 24th Street, near The Roster Sports Club, will be renovated to become the new home of the Vernon Food Bank.
That announcement kicked off the 30 Days of Giving campaign, which aimed to raise $400,000 in the month of September.
Included in that number is a generous, anonymous donor who is matching donations up to $200,000.
Currently the campaign has raised $270,000 (including the $200,000 match). This includes businesses, such as Kal Tire, as well as another personal donation of $12,500 from another anonymous donor.
There is still a ways to go to meet the goal, but Lt. Neil Thompson from The Salvation Army says, "We know that this is the right direction to take the food bank support into the future and we are confident that the funds to support this venture will come. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Without partners like you, we cannot do what we do to support our neighbours in our community."
In addition to the fundraising campaign, Sept. 21 was the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive supported in partnership by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which collected an estimated 30,000 pounds of food.
"I am always in awe at the generosity of our community," said Thompson. "The amount of food that gets donated is absolutely amazing. Our community members always step up to support those in need."
The thrift sore will be relocated to a leased space on 43rd Avenue in the Town Centre Plaza (Dollar Tree, BDM Motorsports Ltd., Habitat For Humanity ReStore).
Renovations have started for the thrift store, and renos for the food bank are expected to begin in late fall.
Sally Ann hopes to open the new food bank early in the new year.
