Leanne Edwards, Financial Administrator and Leanne Hammond, Executive Director, of the Community Foundation North Okanagan and Steve Brandner of Nixon Wenger. (Photo submitted/Community Foundation North Okanagan)

By Nick Nielsen

Jingle Mingle Business After 5

One fundraising event kicks off roll of donations to Vernon Food Bank

Dec 23, 2025 | 3:11 PM

On December 20, the Vernon Chamber of Commerce hosted their ‘Jingle Mingle Business After 5’ event with the intention to connect businesses owners in the community. A side project of that event was also raising money and food donations together for the Salvation Army Vernon Food Bank.

What they didn’t expect was the ripple effect it would have.

By the end of the evening, the Vernon Food Bank would receive a donation of $1,000 in cash, and a ton of food being donated to the food bank.

From there, the Executive Director for the Community Foundation North Okanagan Leanne Hammond decided that the CFNO would match that $1,000 donation, but that quickly grew.

“We often see how a simple act of generosity can unlock something much bigger,” said Hammond. “The Chamber created the moment, and our donors helped turn it into a meaningful boost for families who need it most right now.”

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With the urgency of food insecurity being recognized, Hammond and the CFNO started to reach out to other community groups who have been known to make donations near the year end, and that brough in an additional $5,000 towards the total donation.

“As a community foundation, our role is often to connect people who care with opportunities to make a difference,” Hammond added. “This is a great example of how collaboration can stretch every dollar further.”