This year has been one of the most challenging and difficult years for families and food banks across Canada.
During these unprecedented times, this pandemic has meant limited travel, reduced gatherings, layoffs and tight budgets. Being home for the holidays can have less festive prospects for many Comox Valley residents. Community outreach and caring is needed more than ever to bring back some of the joys of the season.
This festive holiday season, Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery will assist the Comox Valley Food Bank’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours initiative. The art gallery at 2926 Back Road in Courtenay has launched Home for the Holidays, a Food Drive and Fundraiser to collect non-perishable food and essential items for families and children in the community who have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 situation.
During November and December, everyone is invited to come by Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery to donate safely to this important cause (strict COVID-19 protocols are in place).
Every contributor will be entered into a draw for a stunning prize package, valued at over $500 of items created by some of British Columbia’s most talented artists. The prizes include a sterling silver raven bracelet with matching silver pendant and silver earrings by Richard Krentz from the Coast Salish Nation; a limited edition print titled Legend of Queneesh by Kwagu’ł artist Calvin Hunt; bamboo servers by Coast Salish artist Leslie Robert Sam; two Northwest Coast Pacific Spirit ceramic mugs by Tsimshian artist Morgan Green—all in a stunning bag adorned with “Butterflies” designed by Haisla/Heiltsuk artist Paul Windsor. The draw will be held on Thursday, Dec. 24.
If you prefer to contribute a direct donation of funds to the Comox Valley Food Bank, go to comoxvalleyfoodbank.ca/donate/ or you may donate funds in person by cheque or cash. After you make a donation, drop by the gallery with your receipt, and you’ll be entered into the draw. You may also make direct donations of non-perishable food items to Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery’s Home for the Holidays Food Bank Drive and Fundraiser. Either way, you will be helping families and children who are clients of the Comox Valley Food Bank.