Basics for Babies helps hundreds in Kamloops

Nov 18, 2016 | 12:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — Babies rely on their parents for food, shelter, and security. When circumstance makes it difficult for parents to provide for their young children, it’s important the community steps in and helps that family provide, which is exactly what Kamloops did this morning, at the 10th annual Basics for Babies, held in support of the Kamloops Food Bank.

It’s a shocking statistic:n 800 babies in our community rely on the Kamloops Food Bank for necessities for their development. It’s a staggering number, which continues to rise, which is why the annual B-100 Basics for Babies is in it’s 10th year, helping raise necessary funds to support the most vulnerable people in the community.

‘These babies deserve the basics, so they can develop in a health manner,” Food Bank Executive Director Bernadette Siracky told CFJC Today. “It’s our responsibility as a community to ensure they have everything that they need.”

Hotel 540 has been hosting the event for the past 6 years. Basics has become a staple on their calendar, as well as for many other local business and organizations.

“It’s such a great cause,” Bryan Pilbeam, Vice-President and General Manager of the hotel says. “Working with the Food Bank, [they’re] such a tremendous organization, and this event is great because it really does kick off the Christmas season.”

Bryan and his staff are always amazed at the generosity of those within our city.

“It’s amazing to see so many different people, different ages, from babies to our seniors… it never ceases to amaze me.”

Basics for Babies is a great excuse for many in the community to get together for a great cause. For the Food Bank, it means they’re able to offer support for families in need, for an entire year.

“We gather all the funds we require for an entire year,” Siracky said, adding “We serve 800 babies, we have 7000 individuals we serve, 34% of them are going to school… if we’re going to have a different future, we need to provide for kids today.”