Krista Kallio, the long-time organizer of Revelstoke’s biggest food drive, is stepping down from her duties for a new opportunity that’s taking her out of the community.
In an emotional email to volunteers and the media, Kallio announced she is moving away from Revelstoke and will no longer by organizing September’s Emergency Food Services Fight Back Against Hunger Food Drive.
The food drive started out as a small initiative, with seven kids going out to collect food on Halloween, to a major community event with hundreds of volunteers joining in to support the Community Connections Food Bank.
Since 2011, the food drive has collected more than 23 tonnes of food and more than $23,000 in donations.
The food bank helps out about 100 households consisting of 100 adults and 45 children every month. The food drive helps stock the shelves for people in need, but the donations usually run out by April.
This year’s food drive will take place Sept. 21 and 22 from 6–8 p.m. each night. Patti Larson, the manager of the food bank, is taking over the organization of the event.
Anyone interested in taking part should e-mail Patti Larson at plarson@community-connections.ca or call 250-837-2920 ext. 28.
Here is Kallio’s e-mail she sent out to the many volunteers that have helped out over the years:
Prior to getting into the details about what we are looking to accomplish – much of which you are already well aware – I need to make an announcement. In early September, I am going to be moving on from Revelstoke. I have called this amazing community home for almost 20 years and my volunteer work here has been an incredibly important part of my life.
This food drive evolved from a small group of seven young kids out trick or treating, requesting food for the food bank rather than candy, and has become this beautiful huge community event that draws people from every walk of life, every age, every demographic for the purpose of helping others. I have always called this project my baby, and it is perhaps one of the hardest things to hand over.
That said, I am handing it over to Patti Larson and Community Connections. It couldn't be passing into more capable hands. I will continue to help, from afar this year, in whatever capacity is necessary, but I regret (really, really regret) that I will be unable to attend this year. Next year though, I will be back in the role of a civilian volunteer!
I can't begin to express how incredibly grateful I am to each and every one of you for supporting this campaign. For supporting ME. For giving your time, your energy and your efforts, often year after year for a project that is so incredibly important to me. So with tears in my eyes (let's be real – you know that I am bawling), let's get down to the details. Patti will take it from this point on. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you. Please rock the heck out of this for me this year!
Photo: Krista Kallio showcases the food haul after the first community food drive in September 2011. ~ Revelstoke Review file photo