Sun Peaks aimed to surpass last year’s results with the annual Halloween for Hunger initiative, a community-driven food drive supporting the Kamloops Food Bank, but ultimately fell short of that goal. Launched last year, the program encourages donations of non-perishable items throughout the month, with collection bins set up across the village at locations including Guest Services, Tourism Sun Peaks, the Burfield Administration Building and Ohana Deli Market & Café.
The idea for the initiative came from Sun Peaks staffer Carly Irrgang, who wanted to create a local food drive to support those in need.
“We started it last year just as a food drive around Sun Peaks and it was really well received,” Milly Driver, event coordinator for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) said.
While last year’s drive collected an impressive 900 pounds of food, valued at roughly $3,200, this year’s campaign saw 225 pounds of donations. Using the updated Food Banks Canada price of $3.62 per pound, Sun Peaks’ contributions are worth $814.50 Tyler Lowey, communications & engagement lead from Kamloops Food Bank confirmed.
Due to staffing and logistical considerations, volunteers did not go door-to-door this year on Halloween night. However, the initiative continues to engage the community, with plans for a December event featuring a screening of a festive movie. Attendees will be asked to bring non-perishable food items in place of a ticket, giving another opportunity for residents and visitors to support the food bank.
“We just coordinated with [the food bank], grabbed some totes and buckets, and ran the drive here in the village. They weigh the food and are always super grateful for any donations,” Driver said.
Chief executive officer of Kamloops Food Bank, Bernadette Siracky, shared that SPR has been a long-time supporter of the food bank.
“[SPR is] always coming up with innovative ways to engage their community, finding new ways to support us,” Siracky said. “They also sponsored our recently completed online 50/50 and prize raffle — a two-night stay at the ski hill. That fundraiser was very successful for us. So whether it was a food drive or finding other ways to support us, they are very giving of their time and we thank them for continuing to think of us.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to expand next year’s drive, potentially including door-to-door pickup on Halloween night once again, ensuring the initiative continues to make a meaningful impact on the local community.
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