Optima Living communities across Western Canada joined forces on National Food Bank Day on September 2nd to gather donations for local food banks and charities, raising a cumulative 5,952 pounds of food (equivalent to 7,150 meals). We saw many of our residences turning National Food Bank Day into fun-themed events for everyone in the community to attend.

For example, West Edmonton’s Wild Rose hosted a Hawaiian-themed luau party, and attendees “stuffed the bus” with nearly 750 pounds of food, all donated to Edmonton's Food Bank. “Donations are essential to help us feed our neighbours when they need it the most,” said Tamisan Bencz-Knight, Manager of Strategic Relationships and Partnerships with Edmonton’s Food Bank “Thank you for giving and creating a kinder community.”  

Steveston’s Wisteria Place in Richmond, BC, raised an immense 1,750 pounds for the Inner City Women’s Initiative Centre joined by Fairmont Waterfront (donations of toilet paper and bathrobes), Steveston Medicine Shoppe (donations of hygiene products), and Golden Funeral Services (food donations).

In Sherwood Park, AB, Aster Gardens and Country Cottage raised 1125 pounds for the Strathcona Food Bank. The Strathcona Food Bank stated they were "grateful for Optima Living's recent food drive. We can only operate by the generosity of our community. Every donation helps us help those people facing food insecurity.”

Chilliwack Lifestyles and Willow Manor in Chilliwack, BC, raised 575 pounds for Salvation Army Chilliwack Community Food Bank.

Calgary’s The Edward raised 310 pounds for the Calgary Food Bank. Bencz-Knight added: “No one should go hungry. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the staff and residents at The Edward, our community has come together to fight hunger. Your generosity is felt by each and every one of your fellow Calgarians visiting The Food Bank.” 

Other participating Alberta residences: 

●      Wetaskiwin’s Sagebrush raised 215 pounds for Wetaskiwin Salvation Army Foodbank.

●      Claresholm’s Cottonwood Village raised 400 pounds for a local charity.

●      Cochrane’s Hawthorne raised 90 pounds for the Cochrane Activettes for the Food Bank. 

●      Lac La Biche’s Golden Sands raised 305 pounds, including $165, for Waskaysoo Community Food Bank.

Optima Living’s regional office in Vancouver also donated 160 pounds of food to the Kettle Society, which operates a drop-in centre and other community supports. Optima Living is proud to be in a position from which we can offer a helping hand to the many communities we are a part of, ensuring we represent the best in People, Place, and Community. We strive to do our part to help people feel at home both within our residences and in the communities that surround them.