The Cranbrook Food Bank had a successful week with a big one-time donation from IJC Kootenay and a future sustained funding source from the Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR).
JCI Kootenay donated $5,569.20 raised through the 2024 Santa Claus Parade, a holiday tradition bringing the community out to see festive floats, marching groups and decorations.
JCI Kootenay says attendees showed their generosity and helped make an impact in addressing local food insecurity.
“We thought it would be a great cause to go to because it’s great for people who may not have a lot,” said Rebecca Odnokon, Santa Parade Organizing Committee Chair.
“This is going to go toward making sure people are full and well-fed.”
The food bank will use the donation to purchase food and supplies to support individuals and families.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to provide much-needed support to the Cranbrook Food Bank at a time when demand is especially high,” said JCI Kootenay.
“The success of the 53rd annual Santa Claus Parade is a testament to the caring spirit of Cranbrook residents and the importance of coming together to support one another.”
The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR) also announced its support for the Cranbrook Food Bank through a new endowment fund.
The Cranbrook Food Bank Society Legacy Fund is a permanently invested funding stream to support the organization with annual grants in perpetuity.
“The Cranbrook Food Bank is so pleased to establish this new endowment fund as another positive step towards enhancing our financial sustainability,” said Julie Rose, Cranbrook Food Bank Executive Director.
“The need in Cranbrook continues to grow, and we’re here to support our community.”
The CFKR says the Food Bank feeds over 2,600 people per year, a third of whom are children, with more than 19,000 visits to the facility.
“The Cranbrook Food Bank is a food-security leader in our community, collaborating with multiple non-profit organizations to provide the best possible support to people in need,” said Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director.
“The CFKR is honoured to support the vital service they provide to our community.”
As the Food Bank is a non-profit society, it relies on donations, grants, fundraisers, and now this new endowment fund, to support its programs and operations.
“Our community’s invaluable support is essential to our work,” said Rose.
“Without it, our mission would not be possible.”
Anyone can donate to the CFKR’s Cranbrook Food Bank Society Legacy Fund to help grow the annual grant.
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