College students hand out food and clothing to Kelowna’s homeless

Students from the Vancouver Career College are feeding Kelowna’s hungry.

As part of the fundamentals of poverty unit in the social services worker foundations program at the College, students are helping those in need in the Okanagan.

A handful of individuals travelled around to Kelowna businesses to see if they’d be interested in supporting a free meal for homeless. The response shocked students. Local businesses like Bliss Bakery donated items, but so did bigger companies like Tim Hortons, Safeway, Subway and Save-on-Foods.

One participant said he appreciated it so much more than he could put into words.

“I’ve been here since 1969. When you see something like this on the corner it helps a lot.”

In addition to food being handed out on the corner of Leon Avenue and Pandosy Street, students are also handing out clothing and personal hygiene items.

A second individual who came to the corner to get a hot meal and a clean piece of clothing said seeing things like this happen in Kelowna is heartwarming.

“I think it’s awesome, it’s a community thing. I think it’s really cool that they’re helping people out. It’s going to cost a bit to do it but once people start coming, it’s going to keep going and if you can afford it, maybe once a week or once a month, please just don’t stop.”

Students will be outside on Tuesday until 5 p.m. handing out clothing and food. One student said even though they’re being marked on this, it has become much more than just a project.

“Every human should have a responsibility to look down and see what other people need. Taking this course as a social service worker we are trying to get more in touch with the community and understand their needs. This is one way we can do it while interacting with them.”