Make a Donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank & Big White Will Match It

Posted On: December 05, 2022 |
‘Tis the season of giving, and here at Big White Ski Resort, we’re teaming up with one of our favourite local charities to bring some holiday cheer to those who need it the most.

This fundraiser is now closed

For every dollar donated to the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB) through this fundraising link, Big White will match it, with the goal of donating a total of $16,000 to this essential program. Big White’s contribution is entirely made up of money raised through the sale of the resort’s old gondolas – and as we sell more, we’ll have more money to donate to COFB.

“At this time of year, more than any other time of year, generosity of spirit goes a long way,” says Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. “The holidays can be financially challenging for everyone, and with the rising cost of food, it’s more important than ever to ensure all families, from all financial backgrounds, have a meal on their table.”

Each month, COFB provides food assistance to approximately 5,500 people – but that number is expected to increase drastically over the next few months. Food Bank visitations have increased across Canada by 15%, whereas that number is even higher in the Okanagan at 25%.

While COFB can triple your donation through partnerships with grocery retailers, they’re seeing fewer donations come in than ever before. And, due to skyrocketing inflation and high cost of living, foodbank use is no longer just reflecting the unemployment rate for the first time since the 1980s.

In 2022, COFB averaged 200 new clients per month, and of those, 66% were low-wage earners – people who worked full time, or multiple part time jobs, and still could not afford to meet all their basic needs.

“There are many individuals and families in our community who are facing challenging situations right now, but your donation will help spread holiday cheer and brighten the lives of those who need it the most,” says Trevor Moss, CEO of COFB. “To anyone that is choosing to donate, please know that you are making a huge difference and we thank you.”

If we meet our goal of $8,000-worth of donations, plus Big White’s matching donation of $8,000, that will translate into roughly $48,000 worth of spending capital for COFB to use towards its many programs, including the Nutritional Improvement Program, Snack Pack Program, and School Breakfast Program.

To learn more about COFB’s programs, click here.

Our blog content may be time sensitive and any prices or dates quoted are subject to change.

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