Realtors rallying for food bank drive

Demand remains steady at North Okanagan food banks and that’s why there are high expectations for an annual campaign.

The 34th annual Realtors’ Food Drive starts at 5 p.m. today in neighbourhoods throughout Greater Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby and Lumby.

“It’s the time of the year when we really need the support,” said Ben Winters, Lumby Food Bank co-ordinator.

Like the other food banks in the region, the Lumby agency is preparing to hand out Christmas  food hampers as well as meeting the daily requests for assistance.

Non-perishable items collected during the Realtors’ Food Drive can stock shelves for months.

“The support from the realtors and the community is fantastic,” said Winters.

As part of the event, realtors will be going door-to-door in neighbourhoods and collecting donations of non-perishable food items.

They will also be joined by other organizations wanting to get into the holiday spirit of sharing.

“We even have private families willing to take on a route,” said Dawn Taylor, a food drive co-ordinator.

To make conditions a little easier for canvassers, residents are asked to turn their outside lights on and place their bag of food on the front step for collection.

Taylor expects this year’s campaign will be another success.

“No donation is too small,” she said.

“Anything that someone gives is greatly appreciated.”

Among the food items being sought for collection are rice, pasta, canned meat and fish, canned fruit and vegetables, tomato products, beans, flour, sugar, cereal, peanut butter, jam, oatmeal and canned or powdered milk.

If homes are missed during the food drive, residents can call their local real estate office and someone will pick up their donation the next day.