BCLC launched a new online fundraiser today called Love Local BC to help maximize community support for Food Banks BC and local businesses. The initiative comes at a critical time as many communities recover from recent flooding.
From November 29 to December 10, 2021, the value of purchases made on BCLC’s Love Local BC page will go directly to one of the 11 participating food bank organizations, including Food Banks BC, and help drive support and awareness for local businesses.
“As an organization with a Social Purpose to generate win-wins for the greater good, BCLC developed the Love Local BC initiative as one way to do just that,” says Peter ter Weeme, BCLC’s Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President of Player Experience. “We’re proud to support communities, non-profit organizations and local businesses throughout the province as part of this important virtual fundraiser that comes at a such a pivotal time of need here in B.C.”
As part of the initiative, BCLC purchased a number of items and gift cards from local businesses in B.C. and made them available on the Love Local BC fundraising page. When an item is purchased, or a silent-auction item is successfully bid on, the funds are directed to a food bank organization. This means that both local businesses and food banks in B.C. will receive valuable support.
“Food Banks BC supports 102 member food banks across British Columbia, providing them with provision funds, food and other services that supports the critical work they are doing to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens,” says Dan Huang-Taylor, Executive Director of Food Banks BC. “The allyship of BCLC and the funds and awareness raised through campaigns, such as Love Local BC, are essential in enabling us to service our member food banks. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the impact it has had.
Food Banks BC members provide more than 125,000 meals to British Columbians every month through shelters, soup kitchens and school lunch programs. In the past two years, the number of seniors accessing food banks has increased by 20 per cent.
In addition, Love Local BC will enter everyone who purchases a gift card or bids on a silent auction item, successful or not, into a draw for an incredible grand prize – a Parq Vancouver experience worth up to $5,500 that includes a one-night stay in a luxurious suite, generously donated by Parq Vancouver.
BCLC also partnered with six casino locations throughout the province to host onsite food drives in coordination with the fundraiser. From November 29 to December 10, 2021, the Hastings Racecourse, Parq Vancouver, Chances Casino Kelowna, Chances Maple Ridge, Casino Nanaimo and Elements Casino Victoria are collecting non-perishable food items on behalf of B.C. food banks.
To purchase a gift card, bid on a silent auction item or make a donation, visit: https://bit.ly/locallovebc.
