Kelly’s “Thanks for Giving” Initiative

Once a year, we give thanks to the people and things that we’re grateful for. From family and friends to basic necessities like food and shelter, most of us are endlessly grateful for something; hence why Thanksgiving is one of the most important celebrations in North America. Every year, though, there is also a subset of us that turn the feeling of thankfulness into an act of selfless giving. One of them is Kelly Wilkie, who is part of our After Sales department.

This year, Kelly hosted the Thanks for Giving campaign with the goal of raising funds and clothes to donate to the Vancouver Food Bank and Covenant House BC. Incidentally, WhiteWater CEO Geoff Chutter is on the Covenant House’s Board of Directors and serves as the Chair of the Finance & Development Committee as well as Treasurer. The charity is a lifeline for hundreds of youth every year—it has 59 beds in its Crisis Program, and offers safe housing, food, clothing, and counselling to young people aged 16 to 24.

It was recently reported that the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is having difficulty keeping its shelves stocked after an unusually busy summer, so Kelly kicked into action. WhiteWater employees could either support the Covenant House by bringing in new or gently used winter coats, scarves, mittens, boots, sweaters, pants, shoes, and other garments or the Food Bank by either donating non-perishable food or by purchasing tickets for a 50/50 draw.

Kelly and the rest of our “family” here at WhiteWater raised money and food for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Covenant House received numerous bags of clothing, shoes, socks, jackets, and other articles of clothing.

Ever the meticulous planner, Kelly already has the next charity drive up her sleeve. Named “Adopt A Family”, this annual WhiteWater Christmas charity tradition is scheduled to start next month.

If you would like to help and be a part of these great initiatives, please visit foodbank.bc.ca or  covenanthousebc.org.