On Saturday, September 14th, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, we gathered with 90 friends and supporters to celebrate a very special milestone—our 30th anniversary! It was a lovely fall day, with just a few drops of rain adding to the cozy atmosphere.
The event kicked off with the music of Maureen McConaghy, whose melodies created the perfect backdrop for the day. Maureen is a friend of our organization, and we were honored to have her share her talents with us.
A welcoming table was set up with apple chips, information cards about our work, and a donation bucket for those who wanted to contribute to our ongoing efforts. It was heartwarming to see the support from everyone who attended.
Before lunch, Lex offered a heartfelt blessing, setting the tone for a meaningful gathering. The lunch spread was delicious—bbq smokies with all the condiments, fresh buns, and a variety of salads that perfectly complemented the smoky flavors.
Lex also took a moment to read the history of our organization, a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come. We were honored to have some of our founding members with us, including Bob and Trish Ellis, and Dwight and Amy Brown, who have been instrumental in shaping our vision from the very beginning.
At 2:00, we held the much-anticipated WestJet raffle draw, with Bob Ellis drawing the winning name. Congratulations to George Best of Penticton!
And of course, no anniversary celebration would be complete without a special cake! Al’s Bakery truly outdid themselves with a beautifully crafted cake that was almost too good to eat (but we did!).
As the afternoon unfolded, we were graced by a few words from local dignitaries. Roly Russell, our MLA, and Dick Cannings, our MP, both shared their reflections on the impact of our work over the years, offering their gratitude and encouragement for the future.
Laura Allan from Shelters International also gave Gleaners a lovely embroidered Lords Prayer from women in the Ukraine as a thank you for the soup mix. We have sent six shipments to the Ukraine.
This day was more than just a celebration of our past; it was a reminder of the power of community and the incredible things we can achieve when we come together. We are deeply thankful to everyone who made this day—and the past 30 years—so special. Here’s to the next 30!
In Gratitude, The Gleaners Team
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