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Pentictonites put pandemic aside, flock to 9th annual United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast

The traffic lineups seemed just as long as ever, the volunteers just as busy and just as upbeat, and the goodies just as numerous for this morning's 2020 edition of the United Way Drive-Thru Breakfast at Penticton's Lakeside Resort.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

But if you looked a little closer, the impact of the ongoing pandemic was noticeable. All the volunteers and many of the drivers wore masks. The vehicles were funneled more slowly and more cautiously than usual through the various stations. And the final tally fell a bit shy of last year's record-setting haul of $25,134.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

That doesn’t mean the event wasn't a roaring success. Indeed, given the obvious issues, just pulling it off was an accomplishment. And in the end, raising $17,588 during the COVID crisis has to count as a win-win.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Afterward, United Way South Interior BC's Marketing and Communications Manager Marianna Dahl, who worked the lineup all morning, was thrilled.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"I think with the COVID restrictions this year, things moved a little slower than usual. So I think some people left the lineup. But the bottom line is that $17,588 will go a long way. We're super pleased with the outcome and can’t thank the people of Penticton and all our sponsors enough."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Moreover, said Dahl, the balance of the breakfast bags are "going to IGA Penticton and IGA Summerland, and Colin (IGA boss and huge Drive-Thru Breakfast supporter Colin Powell) will take donations for the next couple of days and give away the rest of the bags."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

There was no shortage of stories to tell as today's event unfolded.

Leah Schulting of the Canadian Mental Health Association rode in on her e-bike. "I support the United Way," she said. "They support us too. They've been so generous with the COVID funding, so we wanted to show our support for this wonderful event."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Fehling's Sheet Metal owner Susan Hansen didn't merely show up - for the first time ever, she brought along the entire fleet of her company's trucks, convoy style.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Jeff and Kathy Thomas of Penticton wheeled in as they do every year. But this time around, they were one of the lucky winners of a GardenWorks gift certificate.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

RDOS board chair Karla Kozakevich, another perennial attendee, jokingly asked volunteers as she drove through if they'd stuck a prize voucher in her breakfast bag.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"I love to come by here and then go to the office and start my day. It's perfect for me. But I was always hoping I might win something."

And today she did. Opening her bag, Kozakevich found a certificate for a lift pass at Revelstoke Mountain Resort ski hill. "I'm a skier, so it worked out great," she said with a smile.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

Collecting cash donations this morning was Gitta Schoenne of Schoenne Mortgages. It's a responsibility she enjoys.

"I do it every year," she said, "because I like to get involved with the community and give back. I've been doing it since it started."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"I'm the money person because I collect a lot of dough." she laughed. "I'm really good at it."

COBS Bread's Nicole Peters, with capable assistance from Grant Media's Natalie Grant, got into the season by handing out pumpkin scones.

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"This is our second year doing it," said Peters. "and it’s been just wonderful. COBS Bread is all about giving back to the community. All our end-of-day product goes to different charities in the community too."

South Okanagan Women in Need Society's Debbie Scarborough, who had the happy job of handing out prizes, admitted that 2020 has been "different."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"With COVID," she said, "it just change your priorities. Your kinder and more patient. That's what we strive for."

Scarborough, who's no stranger at community and charitable events, added, "I love what United Way does. They support us, so I'm happy to support them. They help everyone."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

United Way SIBC's events manager Jude Brunt took a quick break to say how happy they were to go ahead with the event.

"It's slightly different operations this year with COVID protocols, but it's going great. We have 30 volunteers this year, and some great prizes."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"Valley First has stepped up again with a $1,000 investment certificate for one lucky person. And there's about 50 other prizes from a bunch of local supporters. IGA in particular has come up with a lot of the stuff in the bag."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

"Basically we need funds to be raised more than ever this year because we know donations taper off as the economic situation hits. So it's really important that we're ready to fund the programs we fund next year -- around 20 local programs for next year."

<who>Photo Credit: NowMedia</who>

To donate to the United Way SIBC, head here.



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