Big White Ski Resort Donates $15K to the Central Okanagan Food Bank – Over $38K Raised

Posted On: April 28, 2021 |

Big White Ski Resort is pleased to donate $15,000 to the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB), matching the over $15,000 donated by skiers, snowboarders and Central Okanagan locals. Throughout the month of March, and in conjunction with the TELUS Snowcross Challenge, Big White coordinated a matching donation campaign, which ended up raising $38,650 for the COFB.

“This year has all been about keeping things local, so it only made sense for us to support a very worthwhile local charity,” says Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President at Big White Ski Resort Ltd.

“We made a promise to match up to $15,000 in donations, and we are so proud to be part of a community that took on the challenge and easily surpassed that. Thank you to everyone who donated during the campaign, and who gives to the food bank at any time of the year.”

The money donated will help support the COFB’s Nutritional Improvement Program, which provides fresh seasonal produce, meat, dairy and eggs as well as children’s weekly snack packs to local households in need.

“As we continue to see a rise in community members accessing the food bank, a 23% increase since January 2021, we are incredibly grateful for the support of Big White and the entire community,” says Trevor Moss CEO of the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

“As a service providing food assistance to two communities, we see first hand the financial strains and effects the pandemic has had on so many people. Supporting us during a time of so much uncertainty and insecurity, allows families to have food in the house and dinner on the table and that’s something everyone can be proud to take part in.”

Those who made online donations were also entered to win an iPhone 12, donated by TELUS. The winner was local Kelowna family, the Crossley's.

Between March 5 and April 9, the COFB provided 38 food hampers to Big White staff members who were adversely affected by the pandemic. A special thanks to the Big White Community Development Association that worked closely with the food bank to manage a delivery service so those self-isolating could receive the nutritional assistance needed without leaving their homes.