During this pandemic, much has changed for everyone.
Our programs had to stop, and we had to re-think how we could support our member families during this time. Two grant opportunities presented themselves, and we had two ways to support families.
One of our grant programs was funded by the First West Foundations Community Response Fund. We received funds to do a Pantry Stock Up program with our families. Any DFP member family was able to apply to have a pantry box of items that could have included Tuna, Beans, Soup, Oil, Flour, Crackers, Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Peanut Butter, Rice, Quinoa, Jam, Oats and more! Then, they were given a gift card to a grocery store of their preference to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and more. Save on Foods was a great help getting the truck full of food ordered and loaded!!
The Family Care Package is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Community Foundations of Canada. We received a grant to do a Family Care Package for our families. Any DFP member family was able to apply to have a care package that could include hand sanitizer, a refill, a purse pump one, cloth masks, disposable gloves, and an activity package for their kiddos! This meant families were able to start venturing out into public without the extra cost or purchasing or burden of sourcing these products to protect their health. Thanks to Maple Leaf Spirits for partnering for the hand Sanitizer, Ron Legary for donating our small pump sanitizer, and Sarah Johnson for making all our cloth masks.
We had a Practicum Student Tina Gamache working with us to help create and deliver all the packages, so big thanks to her for all her hard work.
Please enjoy these photos of the grant programs!
Here is an article about the program in the Penticton Herald http://www.pentictonherald.ca/news/article_b2fa5e6e-bcb9-11ea-ad8a-9f3fa78547da.html
