The Elks in Williams Lake recently participated in their eighth annual apple drive.
The Williams Lake food bank was among eight communities in B.C. to receive apples.
“Our Elks Lodge received 5,000 pounds of apples which we gave to the local Salvation Army who will distribute them with the Christmas hampers,” says lakecity Elk Arnie Zimmerman.
The Elks of B.C. partner with orchardists in Osoyoos on the apple project which actually includes pears as well.
This year 14,000 pounds of apples and pears were donated by three grower families, Ken and Mellhina Thibalt of Cassa Del Mell, Joe and Vera Hilario of Lighthouse Orchards, and Joe and Louisa Carvahlo of Carvahlo Orchards, says project spokesperson Ken Thibault.
The Elks of Osoyoos transported the fruit to Prince George where it was disbursed to eight community food banks by the Elks in Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Burns Lake, Mackenzie, McBride, Quesnel, Prince George and of course Williams Lake.
Over the past eight years this event has supplied more than 56,000 pounds of freshly picked apples and pears at no cost to recipients.