From now until December 10, 2021, B.C. residents can help alleviate hunger, support local businesses, and cross off their holiday shopping list through a new virtual fundraiser called Love Local BC.
For the duration of the fundraiser, all purchases and silent auction bids made through Love Local BC will have double the impact.
BCLC is sponsoring a number of specially curated items and gift cards from local businesses, making them available for purchase on the Love Local BC page. When an item is purchased or successfully bid on, the contribution will go directly to one of 11 partner food banks throughout B.C., including four on Vancouver Island. This means that both local businesses and charitable organizations will receive valuable support during these challenging times.
“As an organization with a Social Purpose to generate win-wins for the greater good, BCLC developed the Love Local BC initiative as one way to do just that,” says Peter ter Weeme, BCLC’s Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President of Player Experience. “We’re proud to support communities, non-profit organizations and local businesses throughout the province as part of this important virtual fundraiser that comes at such a pivotal time of need here in B.C.”
In addition, everyone who bids on a silent auction item, successful or not, or purchases a gift card, will be entered into a grand prize draw worth up to $5,500. This exciting prize includes a one-night stay at Parq Vancouver in one of the hotel’s most luxurious suites, generously donated by Parq Vancouver.
The Comox Valley Food Bank has helped those in need from Cook Creek to Oyster River over 30 years. Since, 1983, it has collected food and cash donations with the goal of reducing hunger in the community.
“While we rely strongly on our business partners throughout the valley through our food rescue program, support through initiatives such as Love Local BC enable us to provide a more balanced variety of foods,” says David Reynolds, Executive Director of the Comox Valley Food Bank.
Support through Love Local BC comes at a critical time as communities are still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and recovering from the recent floods that caused widespread damage across the province.
BCLC also partnered with six casinos across the province to host onsite food drives in coordination with the fundraiser – including two on Vancouver Island. From November 29 to December 10, 2021, Elements Casino Victoria and Casino Nanaimo will collect non-perishable food items on behalf of the Goldstream Food Bank and the Nanaimo Loaves and Fish Food Bank.
For more information about the Love Local BC, or if you’d like to purchase a gift card or to bid on a silent auction item, please visit trellis.org/love-local-bc.
