Community Foundation North Okanagan's $5,000 donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank (submitted photo)

By Liam Verster

Food Bank Donations

Local organizations support the food bank with December initiatives

Jan 2, 2026 | 12:02 PM

Two local groups took action to ensure people facing food insecurity had some support this holiday season.

The Vernon Chamber of Commerce used its Jingle Mingle Business After 5 event on Dec. 20 to collect cash and food for the Salvation Army Food Bank in Vernon.

The Chamber said this event saw a total of more than $1,000 in cash as well as a “significant amount of food” donated to help feed people in need.

This initiative led to Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) to run a matching-donation campaign to support the food bank.

Through this campaignm the group was able to partner with Nixon Wnger, the Chapman Family Foundation, and the Sharma Family to raise a combined $5,000 for the food bank, far surpassing the initial goal of $1,000.

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“We often see how a simple act of generosity can unlock something much bigger,” said CFNO Executive Director Leanne Hammond.

“The Chamber created the moment, and our donors helped turn it into a meaningful boost for families who need it most right now.”

CFNO went on to state that the combined efforts of its initiative and the Chamber’s event highlights the power of donation-matching campaigns in how they can inspire generosity, build momentum, and create lasting impacts from community events.

“As a community foundation, our role is often to connect people who care with opportunities to make a difference,” Hammond stated.

“This is a great example of how collaboration can stretch every dollar further.”