Answering the call of an urgent and growing need for food support in the region, local realtors are calling on the community to help the food bank.
The North Okanagan Realtor Committee has launched the inaugural Christmas in July Food Drive, collecting non-perishables, July 14-19.
With the North Okanagan Food Bank securing a new facility and demand for food assistance at an all-time high, local real estate professionals are rallying for the need 鈥� but this time, they鈥檙e doing it differently.
Real estate brokerages across the North Okanagan will serve as drop-off hubs for non-perishable food items throughout the week.
It鈥檚 a summer twist on a lost winter tradition 鈥� and a heartfelt plea to the community to help fill shelves during a season that often sees donations slow down.
"The realtors did a cereal drive for National Cereal Days a few months back and we learned how dire the need was in the food banks," said committee member Michelle Girard.
Local realtors used to collect food throughout the community in the winter, and now felt the need to bring something back to help fill the shelves at the new food bank warehouse on 24th Street.
Construction started in March on the new warehouse, taking over the thrift store location (which has now moved to 43rd Avenue). Construction is expected to wrap up in September, but a final $500,000 is needed to cover the remaining costs.
More than 1,100 people currently receive monthly assistance from the Vernon food bank.
"The need in our community is great 鈥� and we know how generous our community is," said Girard. "We鈥檙e asking everyone to bring a little Christmas spirit to July."
Donations can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Re/Max Vernon (5603 27th St.), Coldwell Banker (3405 27th St.), Royal LePage (4007 32nd St.) and 3% Realty (4201 27th St.).
While milk, meat products, breads and fresh fruits and vegetables are among the top 10 most needed items (which need to be brought directly to the existing food bank at 3303 32nd Ave.), non-perishables on the list are: boxed grains (rice, cereals, pastas), peanut butter, school snacks, soups and pasta sauces and hygiene products (shampoo, soap, deodorant, razors, feminine products).
