(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

B100 basics for babies

Kamloops community rallies for 19th annual B100 Basics for Babies fundraiser

Nov 22, 2024 | 4:44 PM

KAMLOOPS — The spirit of giving was in full force Friday (Nov. 22) as hundreds of generous donors gathered at the Delta Hotel for the 19th annual B100 Basics for Babies fundraiser, supporting the Kamloops Food Bank’s efforts to help families in need.

The event, which has become a 19-year breakfast tradition in Kamloops, saw donors streaming in from 7:00 a.m. with armfuls of baby items and open wallets. By the end of the morning, the fundraiser had collected an impressive 3,000 pounds — more than a ton — of baby products and $100,000 in cash donations.

Bernadette Siracky, executive director of the Kamloops Food Bank, was overwhelmed by the community’s response.

“This has been an incredible morning. So much fun,” she said. “People are coming in, they’re hugging each other. They haven’t seen each other in a long time. They’re laughing and they know that they’re doing very important work by supporting the babies.”

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The success of this year’s event follows on the heels of 2023’s record-breaking fundraiser, which raised $185,000 and collected 2,600 pounds of baby products. Siracky noted the increasing demand for food bank services, citing an 85 per cent increase over the previous year.

“We’ve had many people use us for the very first time,” Siracky explained. “Folks who typically are able to make ends meet are all of a sudden struggling. I think this is real to everybody, and it’s a no-brainer to support babies.”

Local businesses played a significant role in the event’s success.

Wes Mitchell from Unifor Local 10-B at the Kruger Pulp Mill emphasized the importance of supporting young families.

“We have a real young workforce, and they’re our workforce. We have decent paying jobs and we’re lucky enough for that. They come to us and complain about the prices of everything,” Mitchell said. “I can’t imagine a single parent or someone who needs assistance having to decide between food for themselves or for their babies.”

Brian Kiloh of CIBC Wood Gundy, that matched funding with a client to donate $10,000, noted the disproportionate increase in costs for children’s necessities.

“The cost of basic necessities for children has gone up more than general inflation,” he said. “At that time of a person’s life, young parents, it’s pretty much the last thing you want to see is them stressed out about money and basics.”

Individual community members also made significant contributions. Corri-Ann Troke crocheted 80 baby toques for the event.

“I have the wool on hand and time to spare,” she said. “It’s not about the time. It’s about the recipients and giving back… For the love of babies. A warm baby is a happy baby.”

Even the younger generation got involved. Fourteen-year-old Lily Clark, who started Monkey’s Charity Garage Sale at the age of six, raised $1,000 for B100 Basics for Babies this year.

“A lot of these kids don’t have the necessary things to grow up,” Lily said. “I just think about that and try and donate a dollar more than the last [year].”

As the event wrapped up, Siracky reflected on the community’s ongoing support.

“I think people don’t question this event,” she said. “They don’t question the support, and they honestly give very generously and we are grateful.”