West Kelowna resident Bruce Shouldice is providing those in need with a Christmas dinner this year.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Bruce Shouldice
December 25, 2020 - 6:00 PM
West Kelowna resident Bruce Shouldice initially said he would provide four Christmas meals to those in need in the Okanagan.
Since his announcement on Facebook Monday, Dec. 21, people have been reaching out and he can’t keep up with the demand for meals after hearing some heartbreaking stories.
Previously, he’s volunteered with The Salvation Arm Christmas Kettle Campaign, but due to the pandemic, he thought he would help in a different way. In the past he’s had a couple of rough Christmases so thought this was a good way to help.
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“I’m at 10 (dinners) and I’m about to go out and grab four more,” he said. “One woman messaged and said she lost her husband (and has) kids and another messaged (saying her) husband is battling cancer and she’s working three jobs to just keep afloat. Her son’s coming (for Christmas) and she’s going to have to cook whatever food she has, and I said to both of them I'd help as well. It’s hard to draw the line, there’s a lot of sad stories,” he said.
“I'm not made of money but we’re you’re doing OK it doesn’t hurt to give back a little.”
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He’s been purchasing and delivering meals since yesterday, Dec. 21. Shouldice said it’s been “heartwarming” to help people for Christmas and to hear their reactions from the food.
“I was getting messages all through the night and into the morning… I didn’t home until 10 last night dropping things off,” he said, adding that he’s been delivering food across the Central and North Okanagan.
“There’s a lot of people with money in the valley and some people own two, or three homes. If everybody helped out a little bit… there’s a lot of people that could do a little more than they do.”
Some people have reached out to him offering toys which he isn't quite sure what to do with.
“You almost need a small army of people to handle the outcry of help,” he said.
He hopes that by sharing his story, other people will be inspired to help others as there’s a need this Christmas.
Bruce Shouldice is giving out Christmas meals to those in need.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Bruce Shouldice
— This story was originally published Dec. 22, 2020.
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