Starfish Backpacks

When Vernon resident Cera Brown happened upon an article about the Starfish program in a Rotary magazine, she knew the program was needed in Vernon. “So I emailed Starfish inquiring about how something like this could be started,” she says. “I meant to follow up but never did.”

But the seed was planted.  That email was re-directed to the North Okanagan Rotary Clubs and Kalamalka Rotary decided to take action.

Kalamalka Rotary is excited to launch a pilot project Starfish Program in Vernon. Starting on Friday, April 8 and running every Friday until the end of June, 20 students from a local elementary school will take home a backpack full of non-perishable food, enough for a weekend.

The concept was brought to British Columbia two years ago by the Abbotsford Rotary Club who named it The Starfish Program after the Parable of the Starfish, which illustrates the importance of helping even just one life in need.

Under the leadership of Kalamalka Rotary Community Service director Dr. Carmen Larsen a committee was formed to liaise with supporters School District 22, Alexis Park Elementary School, Save On Foods Vernon, The Salvation Army and the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs.

Funding for this worthwhile pilot project was provided by 20 members of the Kalamalka Rotary Club.

Each year First Call, BC’s Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, produces a report card on the state of child poverty in BC. The 2015 report states that 1 in 5 BC children grew up in poverty, in every part of the province. In the North Okanagan 21.1 % of children 0 to 17 years live in low-income families.

 “In 2014, more than 30,000 BC children relied on Food Banks.”

The cost of a healthy diet can affect individuals and families of all incomes but can have the highest impact among households with the lowest incomes. These are also the households that are the most food insecure and face numerous health and social challenges.

 “The monthly cost to feed a family of four in the Okanagan is $969.”

 

Save on Foods Vernon   www.saveonfoods.com

 School District # 22 Vernon  www.sd22.bc.ca

 Kalamalka Rotary www.kalrotary.org

Okanagan Boys and Girls Club www.boysandgirlsclubs.ca

The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/

Hi-Pro Sportswear and Promotional Products www.hiprosportswear.com

Once the pilot is underway, partners will be reviewing how the program might be expanded with more support from the community and local businesses.

Donations to the Vernon Starfish Pack can be made through the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, 3300 37 Avenue, Vernon V1T 2Y5, or on line through their website noted above.  Please specify that your donation is for the Starfish Pack Program.  $525.00 feeds one child for one year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kalamalka Rotary members at the first packing session, with Kirstie Blanleil from the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club on the right

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kalamalka Rotary members with Kirstie Blanleil and Save On Foods Assistant Manager Brad Boivin (L) - the Starfish packs are ready to go