(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

basics for babies

B-100’s Basics For Babies smashes fundraising records

Nov 17, 2023 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Records were shattered Friday (Nov. 17) morning at the 17th annual B-100 Basics for Babies fundraiser.

Hundreds of donors gathered at the Delta Hotel for the breakfast fundraiser, all in the name of ensuring the Kamloops Food Bank has everything it needs to support new parents and families with young children.

“You can really feel the energy this year. You know, people were coming in and they were happy to support,” said Bernadette Siracky, executive director of the Kamloops Food Bank. “But also I think many people were a bit reflective on the fact that, if they didn’t need to use our service, they were giving back and we really felt that this year. Everybody is noticing an increase of prices and everything from rent to food to gas — and people are struggling.”

By the end of the event, a record breaking $185,000 was collected alongside 2,600 pounds of baby products.

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“We have got a soft spot for the Kamloops Food Bank. It’s a major part of our community,” Nathan Mutcher from Cooper Equipment Rentals said. “There are many good causes in town, but the food bank is 100 per cent a necessity.”

Including Cooper Equipment Rentals, dozens of local businesses made cash donations to the cause. A & T Project Developments donated $80,000.

“This is the most vulnerable people in our community — children — and (being a father, I) really get the importance of this,” Garry Reed, vice president of development, A & T Project Developments said. “And it’s tough times out there for a lot of people, so we’re happy to be able to help.”

But companies weren’t the only ones writing cheques.

Lily Clark and her family have been raising money for the food bank for many years. At the age of six, Lily started Monkey’s Charity Garage Sale and donates proceeds to Basics for Babies.

“We’ve been coming to this breakfast since Lily was two and Lily just tied to it quite quickly,” Lily’s mom, Darlene Clark said. “It’s really important to be able to support the youngest in our community so that they can grow up strong and hopefully do the same initiatives for future babies.”

Jean Ranger raised $4,590 by making and selling handmade baby booties.

“One thing I knew I could do was make and sell baby booties and so that’s what I’ve been doing since January of this year,” Ranger said. “I went on Facebook Marketplace and different craft fairs and I was able to sell 300 pairs of booties.”

Despite the growing need for the food bank’s services, Siracky says she’s always in awe of local support.

“We’re seeing more new families than ever before at the food bank and our community, as usual, is hearing the call and helping us have what we need to support them,” said Siracky.