The Trail Smoke Eaters, Shaw and the BCHL have partnered with West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation (WKBLF) as part of the Shaw Brighter Communities campaign.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for residents mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.
The Smoke Eaters are rallying fans to pitch in and support WKBLF with donations, and to top it off, Shaw is matching all texted donations dollar-for-dollar until May 31, doubling the amount raised.
“The need for daily essentials has increased greatly in our communities,” said WKBLF coordinator Sharon Jackson.
“West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation is excited to partner with Shaw Brighter Communities campaign and the Trail Smoke Eaters to raise funds so that we are able to meet those needs.”
West Kootenay Bags of Love has been supporting those in need since 2012. With every donation, they will provide bags filled with essential care products and comfort items for all age groups in the West Kootenay region who are experiencing hardship or crisis.
WKBLF was originally founded to support the immediate needs of children who were moving to safer living environments. Each bag contained a handmade quilt, toys, books, personal care items, a stuffed animal, and other age-appropriate items. The bag was given to the child to provide comfort during a confusing time.
In 2013, WKBLF was asked to help with a senior’s project in Castlegar.
“As we began to make bags for this project, we realized there were a great number of seniors as well as families and adults who were experiencing hardship and inability to provide the basics for themselves and their families,” said Jackson.
“At this point we realized we needed to start making bags for all age groups and partner with other social service agencies to reach more people.”
Bags of Love has given out more than 700 bags, and they now have a “personal care bag” that contains just personal care items.
“In the last year we made 169 personal care bags to go to food banks in our area,” said Jackson. “We want to keep making bags and helping in the West Kootenay area anywhere we can. Your donations will help us buy supplies to get our bags out there.”
Through an easy text-to-donate initiative, Smokies fans can help raise funds in support of West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation.
Simply text TRAKIDS to 41010 to make a $10 donation to West Kootenay Bags of Love.
Donations can also be made by cheque made out to West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation. They can be sent to or dropped off at: 1855 Fourth Ave, Trail BC, V1R-1T2.
Residents can also e-transfer to WKBagsofLove@outlook.com or call 250.231.0951 to make other arrangements.