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Lumby mayor raises awareness about social programs

Kevin Acton camped along Highway 6 to raise funds for the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre
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Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton camps along Highway 6 to raise funds for the Whitevalley Community Centre

Lumby’s mayor has sent a strong message that local residents must support each other.

Kevin Acton camped along Highway 6 from Friday night to Sunday night to raise funds for the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre’s Legacy Fund.

“I had lots of people stop by. It was steady,” said Acton, who fasted during the event, which raised $3,537.

“I hope I created some awareness about the health of the community.”

Among the services offered are counselling for adults and families, addictions counselling, after-school activities, summer day camps, toddler programs, cooking classes for those on a budget, seniors drop-in, health information for seniors, Good Food Box and Internet access.

“People are very appreciative that Whitevalley is doing what it’s doing to help people,” said Acton.

“And if they can’t help you directly, they have all of the connections to other services.”

The Legacy Fund will create an endowment in which the interest earned annually will go towards covering the cost of operations.

Acton says agencies such as Whitevalley can’t rely on the provincial government for financial assistance.

“We need to take care of our own a bit. It’s good to step up for our neighbours,” he said.

“We all need a hand once and awhile.”

The the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre welcomes Acton’s support.

“He’s not only raising funds but bolstering the spirits of our staff and board,” said Gay Jewitt, executive director.

“For him to go at it with that dedication provides us with a real uplift. It re-enthused us to keep going.”

The Legacy Fund has raised $176,407 to date.

To donate to the WCRC or for more information, go to www.whitevalley.ca.