Dozens of people jumped into Okanagan Lake on Aug. 23 during a fundraiser to support the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre.
Jump in to Help, from 12:30 to 2:30, was organized to raise money for the furnishings to go inside the new food bank facility on Henry Avenue. The building, which will also include 60 units of affordable housing, is under construction.
Once it is complete, washrooms, washing machines and other furnishings will be needed in the food bank.
The cost of this project is estimated at $350,000. The Summerland United Church has pledged to provide $50,000.
In addition, Anne Ellis, minister at the United Church, said she would jump off the pier wearing her wedding dress if the church contributed at least $1,000. With $2,000 raised, she was at the event true to her word, dressed in white.
Meanwhile, when Kerry Anderson, a member of St. Stephen Anglican Church heard about Ellis鈥� pledge, he said he too would jump off the pier wearing a wedding dress. The dress was provided by the Summerland Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop
Ellis said the donations have been impressive. One young girl raised $380 for the project.
John Bubb, treasurer for the Summerland Food Bank and Resource Centre, said donations were continuing to come in. He expected around $10,000 was being raised from the fundraiser.
While the facility on Henry Avenue is under construction, the food bank is operating out of the Summerland Alliance Church, 14820 Victoria Rd. N.
