Paddlers to be a wave of support for food banks

Keats Island Paddlers Challenge is once again holding a drive and fundraiser for the Food Banks on the Sunshine Coast Saturday, September 27. Departing Gibsons Harbour at 10 am next Saturday, the Sunshine Kayaking sponsored event is all about circumnavigating Keats Island on kayak, canoe, paddle board, or outrigger. Cost is $15, to be donated to the food bank of your choice on the Sunshine Coast, including Gibsons Food Bank, Sechelt Food Bank and Pender Harbour Food Bank.

Participants are encouraged to obtain as many pledges and non-perishable food items as possible and put a team together to join the fun. Bring your sunshine to those who depend on food banks and the volunteers who work to keep the programs running by supporting their efforts. By joining in this fabulous event, you’ll take in some amazing scenery, have a workout and meet other paddlers while helping our community’s less fortunate.

The paddle takes four hours, but it’s not a race, just more of a personal challenge or social event for a good cause.

“Get a team together and have some fun,” organizers said. Or pledge a paddler in your area.

Food banks across Canada rely on the generosity of their communities to provide groceries for people in need, Dale Sankey of the Sechelt Food Bank said.

“We survive through the generous donations of groups like Paddlers Challenge and other groups that help feed our community,” Sankey noted.

If you’re wondering what food donations make a big splash, food banks are always looking for more protein rich foods such as beans, small jars of peanut butter, canned meat and fish. The help and donations they get from an event like the Paddle Challenge will help fill some empty bowls on the Sunshine Coast.

Apryl Veld