Kim Novak Legacy Fund Donates to BC Food Banks

December 24, 2024

In a heartfelt gesture this holiday season, the Kim Novak Legacy Fund made its first donation to three food banks this month: Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB), Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB), and Campbell River Food Bank (CRFB), in collaboration with UFCW Canada. Each food bank received a donation of $5,000, a total donation of $15,000.

The Kim Novak Legacy Fund was established by UFCW 1518 in memory of the former president. As she was known for her compassionate spirit and dedication to humanitarian causes, the fund, which launched earlier this year, chose to support food banks as its first initiative. The contribution aims to address food insecurity for families in communities where UFCW 1518 members are represented.

“Kim was very passionate about helping those in need and fighting for social justice and equity. She always worked to make life better for others, and I know she would have been proud to support these food banks, especially at this time of the year,” said Shelly Hallman, UFCW 1518 Executive Coordinator.

UFCW 1518 President Patrick Johnson (left) holding a $5,000 donation check with CRFB Executive Director Joanne Watson (right)
Secretary-Treasurer Ronda Melbourne (right) holding a $5,000 donation check
Managing Director Diana Pérez (left) holding a $5,000 donation check with GVFB Development Manager Olivia Qi (right)

With rising inflation and the increased cost of groceries, many families, especially those with young children, find themselves turning to food banks during this time of the year. These donations will help support food purchasing and distribution, nutrition programs for babies, children, and seniors, and more.

“This generous donation will go towards helping provide fresh, nutritious produce to approximately 15,000 people we currently assist each month,” said Olivia Qi, Development Manager at Greater Vancouver Food Bank. “We also support over 150 community and provincial agencies, including after-school programs, neighbourhood houses, transition houses, First Nations centres, food banks, and more.”

Example of what GFVB client would receive each week: canned salmon, canned tuna, cereal, 1L milk, 2 lbs of potatoes, 2 lbs of apples, and 2 lbs of lemons, bread, mixed fresh produce, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, butternut squash, and radish

The Kim Novak Legacy Fund encourages others to join in supporting these local organizations. The best way is by donating a monetary gift or by volunteering your time:

Greater Vancouver Food Bank: https://foodbank.bc.ca/

Central Okanagan Food Bank: https://cofoodbank.com/

Campbell River Food Bank: https://crfoodbank.ca/

The Kim Novak Legacy Fund was created by UFCW 1518 in honour of former President Kim Novak’s memory. To learn more about the Kim Novak Legacy Fund, visit ufcw1518.com/kim-novak-legacy-fund