This Saturday marks the 23rd Rotary food drive for the Kamloops food bank.

Since 2008, Kamloops Rotary clubs have collected just over one million pounds of food.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, Executive Director Bernadette Siracky said the Rotarians in our city aren’t like anywhere else. “It’s really wonderful to watch. We have five Rotary groups in town.”

“Some people don’t know a lot about Rotary. They’re a service organization and their mandate really is service above self, so this is a perfect example of that in action. I don’t know another city across Canada where Rotarians do this so we should be very, very proud.”

They’re usually looking for non-perishable food items but Siracky pointed out all kinds of food are welcome. “Often though, in the fall food drive people are putting aside bags from their garden so extra harvest and you know what, we gladly accept that as well, especially this time around.”

“So, you know what, go in your cupboard, whatever you use at home, we give out and we also serve pets and children and families..”

Siracky added for some people the most important donation they can make is their time. “Come and serve people at the food bank who don’t have enough food at home.”

“It’s a very powerful experience and it really connects you with why we’re doing what we’re doing with this food drive, so please come by the food bank. There’s nothing more powerful than being a part of it.”

For more information on donating or volunteering go to Kamloops Food Bank website.

To hear the complete interview with Dr Charlebois, click this link.