This year has been one of the most challenging and difficult years for families and food banks across Canada. During these unprecedented times this pandemic has meant limited travel, reduced gatherings, layoffs and tight budgets. Being home for the holidays can have less festive prospects for many Comox Valley residents. Community outreach and caring is needed more than ever to bring back some of the joys of the season.

Spreading the love in this festive holiday season, Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery has chosen to assist The Comox Valley Food Bank’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours initiative. Our Art Gallery has launched Home for the Holidays, a Food Drive and Fundraiser to collect non-perishable food and essential items for families and children in our community who have been especially impacted by the COVID-19 situation. We invite everyone who is able to give generously—the need is great.

During November and December everyone is invited to come by Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery at 2926 Back Road, between East Courtenay and Comox, to donate safely to this important cause. We have strict COVID-19 protocols in place. At the same time, every contributor will be entered into a draw for a stunning prize package, valued at over $500 of items created by some of British Columbia’s most talented artists.

The prizes in our draw include a sterling silver Raven bracelet with matching silver pendant and silver earrings by Richard Krentz from the Coast Salish Nation, a limited edition print titled Legend of Queneesh by Kwagu’ł artist Calvin Hunt, Bamboo Servers by Coast Salish artist Leslie Robert Sam, two Northwest Coast Pacific Spirit ceramic mugs by Tsimshian artist Morgan Green—all in a stunning bag adorned with “Butterflies” designed by Haisla/Heiltsuk Artist Paul Windsor. We will draw one lucky winner on Thursday, December 24th.

There are two ways to contribute and enter our draw for a prize package. If you prefer to contribute a direct donation of funds to the Comox Valley Food Bank, please go to Donate online to the Comox Valley Food Bank or you may donate funds in person by cheque or cash. After you make a donation, drop by our gallery, show us your receipt, and you’ll be entered into the draw. You may also make direct donations of non-perishable food items to Spirits of the West Coast Art Gallery’s Home for the Holidays Food Bank Drive and Fundraiser. Either way, you will be helping families and children who are clients of the Comox Valley Foodbank.

Here are some suggestions:

Dried foods: Beans, Rice, Pasta, and Gluten-Free items

Canned: Fish, Meat, Fruit, Vegetables, Pasta Sauces and Beans

Nutritional Snacks for Children’s Lunches: Sugar-Free Juices, Milk Alternatives

Toiletries for Women and Children: including Sanitary Products and Diapers

Paper Products

Thank you for generously supporting local families and our local Food Bank!