Mission Gets Meal Money

Vernon’s Upper Room Mission has been busier this spring, so new government funding has been welcomed by the social agency.

Co-executive director Lisa Anderson says a 50-thousand dollar BC community gaming grant will be used for their food security program.

“Last year we served over 90,000 meals to those in need in our community, so the money will be going toward that, and we’re very happy and excited to get this money,” Anderson told Kiss FM.

Anderson says they are seeing more seniors, and people from Alberta using their services.

“Usually in the spring time it starts to get busier and we see new faces. This year, we’re finding it’s happening earlier. There’s a bit of a shift with more seniors accessing our services, as well as families with children,” adds Anderson.

The Mission was not awarded a community gaming grant last year,which led to services being cut back, and MLA Eric Foster was able to get $100,000 in funding for the agency.

Photo: MLA Eric Foster presents $50,000 cheque to Lisa Church (left) and Lisa Anderson, the co-executive directors of the Upper Room Mission. (Pete McIntyre photo)