On March 19, BCLC partnered with local non-profits, including Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), The Mustard Seed, Ask Wellness and the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) to host a lunch for, and provide care packages to over 200 Kamloops community members – many of whom receive support from these vital organizations.
The event brought together BCLC’s employees and staff from the participating non-profits to help build meaningful connections with community members over a nourishing meal.
“As one of the main organizers of this initiative, collaborating with other impactful organizations in Kamloops to give back to our community was incredible,” said Nicole Semenoff, a member of BCLC’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging team. “Connection is everything to fostering a sense of belonging in a community and to walk across the street from our office and make even one human connection was meaningful beyond words.”
The lunch was hosted at the neighbouring Mini Storage outreach facility, operated by the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS).
Melissa Collick, manager of the facility, expressed her gratitude for BCLC in leading this initiative.
“When we come together as one collective through initiatives like this, we are working towards creating a stronger, more resilient community,” she said.
This is the second iteration of this community lunch partnership – the first was previously held in September 2023 with BCLC’s employees having the goal of driving inclusion within their community.
This year, over 200 takeaway bags containing essentials, such as food, beverages, toiletry items and words of kindness, were distributed to community members, in addition to hot meals served by volunteers.
For the volunteers, the community lunch meant more than providing a lunch, it was about creating an opportunity for human-to-human connection and to encourage others to find ways, however small, to foster meaningful connection within their respective communities.
“Connection is needed more than ever and it’s really about how you made someone feel at the end of the day that matters most,” said Katelyn Bobicki, a member of BCLC’s People and Culture team.
Alfred Achoba, executive director at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), echoes the value of this impact.
“Empathy, respect and willingness to listen can make a real difference in someone's life,” he said. “It creates dignity, trust and community.”
BCLC has been a part of the Kamloops community since 1985. In 2023/24, it directly sponsored 25 organizations in Kamloops that work to bring people together and enhance the quality of life within its community. In addition, revenue generated by BCLC goes back to the Province of B.C. which distributed $2.7 million in community gaming grants to 102 Kamloops not-for-profit organizations in 2023/24.
