ARENA POSSIBLE | Armstrong-Spallumcheen investigating the feasibility of an outdoor rink [A7]
Morning gStar
The
Friday, Dec. 7, 2012
P R O U D L Y
S E R V I N G
O U R
N O R T H
O K A N A G A N
4612 - 27 th St 1830 Hwy 6
w w w. v e r n o n m o r n i n g s t a r. c o m
C O M M U N I T I E S
F O R
O V E R
2 0
Y E A R S
peterstirecraft.ca
Food drive fills shelves JENNIFER SMITH Morning Star Staff
Food will be one less thing hundreds of struggling families and individuals will have to worry about this Christmas. Residents opened their hearts and their cupboards throughout the North Okanagan Wednesday evening for the 35th annual Realtors’ Food Drive. In Greater Vernon, between 350 and 400 volunteers went door-to-door and collected 35,200 pounds of food, filling 55 apple crates. In Armstrong, upwards of 20 volunteers collected approximately 10,000 pounds of food. Food drives also took place in Enderby and Lumby. “We did very well,” said Dawn Taylor, food drive coordinator. Despite the immense generosity of the community, this year’s donations are down slightly from last year’s in Greater Vernon. “We didn’t match last year, we’re a little bit short,” said Taylor, as 60 apple crates were filled last year. And the need is only growing at the Salvation Army food bank in Vernon, where it’s anticipated 850 Christmas hampers will be handed out. “We’ve interviewed significantly more this year (for hampers) than this time last year,” reports David MacBain, community ministries director. Since the economic downturn, more people continue to rely on local food banks. “We haven’t seen a reduction in demand,” said MacBain. “We’re still being asked by many new clients. Many are working but just can’t make ends meet.” The growing need is similar in neighbouring communities, like Armstrong where 140 hampers were given out last
View Online LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
David MacBain (right), with the Salvation Army, tries to balance a few of the 35,200 lbs of food alongside Dawn Taylor and Steve Bali, organizers of Wednesday’s Realtors’ Food Drive. year and this year they are planning to deliver 150. Approximately half of all food bank clients are singles, but there are also a number of families. “Approximately 30 per cent are children,” said MacBain. Despite the growing demand at food banks, MacBain is confident they can keep up with the need thanks to events such as the Realtors’ Food Drive. “There was a lot of new participation this year and that kind of ensures a future for this 35-year tradition,” he said, noting new realtors as well as the involvement of Junior Chamber members and help from Students Without
Borders for the second year. And the donations collected Wednesday are expected to grow, as missed households contact local realtors or bring donations down to the food bank. “We know that many more will still come through our doors over the next few couple of days,” said MacBain. Those struggling to make ends meet this Christmas can pick up hamper applications at the food banks, as well as the Salvation Army thrift stores in Vernon – 3102 29th Ave. and the new location at 5400 24th St. (behind Future Shop), which opens Saturday.
Heritage Park neighbours fight for a place to play RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
There’s growing pressure on local politicians to ensure public access to parks. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee was lobbied by residents Thursday to maintain Heritage Park even though the owner, the Vernon School District, is proceeding with selling the Bella Vista site. “This was purchased by taxpayers of the area (as a possible school site) so we should get a deal on it,” said director Gyula Kiss. In September, the school district designated five properties as surplus. Two of them, Heritage Park and N’Kwala Park in
VERNON TOYOTA
“Once the green space is gone, it is gone forever.” — Andy Hume
the BX, are leased by GVAC for use. Mike Macnabb, GVAC chairperson, is frustrated the properties may be have to be purchased although they are already public assets. “It’s sort of like the taxpayers paying twice for it,” he said.
Neighbours of Heritage Park are concerned the land could be sold to the highest bidder. “It is utilized not only for dog walking but by young and old alike,” said Andy Hume, with a residents’ committee. “There’s seniors walking the paths, children and young adults for bicycle riding, kite flying and remote control aircraft flying as well as a general space to get out and enjoy.” Hume envisions the site eventually having a community garden. “Our committee firmly believes it is in the best interest of all Vernon residents as well as those in the Westmount/Bella Vista
area to maintain at least the amount of useable park space that now exists,” he said. “Such a green space site as this will be increasingly important as development in the area continues to increase the population density. Once the green space is gone, it is gone forever.” The City of Vernon will ultimately be responsible for local park matters under a new parks structure. But until that process is finalized, GVAC and the Regional District of North Okanagan remains involved. “We will endeavour to keep the park as it is,” said Trafford Hall, RDNO administrator, of Heritage Park.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR
DECEMBER INCENTIVES DL# 30382
3401 - 48th Ave • Phone (250) 545-0687 VISIT US 24/7 AT WWW.VERNONTOYOTA.COM
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE A-15