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‘Overwhelming’ support: Coldstream students fill firetruck for food bank

Kidston Elementary students donated 1,100 pounds of food for RCMP, fire department food drive
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Kidston Elementary Grade 2 student Ellie Dowhaniuk get some treats from Safety Bear for donating non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. (Vernon North Okanagan RCMP photo)

Emergency crews had some help filling the shelves of the local food bank from staff, students and families at Kidston Elementary School.

Students were invited to bring a non-perishable food item to fill up a Coldstream Fire Engine or an RCMP cruiser Dec. 7.

The response was overwhelming: over 1,100 pounds of food was collected in just over an hour and a half.

“With COVID, fires, and the recent floods, the need is so great, not only in our community, but right across the province,” said Coldstream fire chief Fiona Morgenthaler-Code. “It’s heartwarming to be a part of this.”

Students also had the chance to ask questions and explore the inside of the emergency vehicles.

“The kids were so happy to contribute, you could feel the energy and see the excitement on their faces,” said Const. Neil Horne, school resource officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.

Kidston Elementary principal Debbie Cullum was proud of how the students and families stepped up to help people in need.

Thank you Kidston families for showing your Kidston kindness during the food drive, said Cullum. All the food donations are much needed, and appreciated by our local food bank.

The donations were taken to the Salvation Army food bank.

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READ MORE: Vernon family goes the extra mile to support kids at Christmas


Brendan Shykora
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Kidston Elementary Grade 4 student Jamie Paton crams a police cruiser with non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. (Vernon North Okanagan RCMP photo)
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Kidston Elementary students donated heaps of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army, delivered by RCMP and firefighters. (Vernon North Okanagan RCMP photo)


Brendan Shykora

About the Author: Brendan Shykora

I started as a carrier at the age of 8. In 2019 graduated from the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University.
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