We are thrilled to announce that Optima Living's communities across British Columbia and Alberta came together in an incredible show of generosity this past August and September, contributing a record-breaking 30,000 pounds of food to local food banks. Over the course of a 45-day donation drive, our residents, team members, and partners rallied to make a meaningful impact.
Our Open House events marked the grand finale of this effort, resulting in over $12,500 in financial donations and over 16,500pounds of food—bringing the total to just over 29,000 pounds! To push us over the 30,000-pound goal, our Principals made an additional contribution to top it off. This was a remarkable achievement, made even more engaging by turning the drive into a friendly competition between communities to see who could raise the most. We couldn’t be prouder of the way everyone came together for this important cause.
We are honoured to be able to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Thank you to our food bank partners for sharing their feedback.
"Cloverdale Community Kitchen provides vital support through its food bank, helping 358 families each week, and by serving hot meals 5 days a week. Our Meals on Wheels program also delivers around 600 meals to seniors in need. None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors like Optima Living and others. Your support, whether through food or financial contributions, truly impacts the lives of those we serve,” says Linda Wing, Cloverdale Community Kitchen.
“The Strathcona Food Bank is grateful for the very generous donations the residents of the three Sherwood Park Optima Living locations collected for us. They collected 3267 pounds of non-perishable food items (including cash donations) that will help us build hampers for our clients. Our hamper numbers have doubled in three years and we need all the support we can get. The residents can be very proud for helping to relieve food insecurity in Strathcona County. We are proud of the community spirit and generosity Optima Living demonstrates.”
Lindsay Lepard from Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub said, “Thank you so much for hosting this event and your amazing staff who helped out. We are so grateful. I can't wait to collaborate with you in the future.”
Mitch Thomson, Executive Director of Red Deer Food Bank Society, said "Thank you to Deer Park Village! Contributions such as these make a huge difference in our community and allow the Red Deer Food Bank to continue our mission of Alleviating Hunger. We look forward to partnering with you on future endeavours.”
"Cloverdale Community Kitchen provides vital support through its food bank, helping 358 families each week, and by serving hot meals 5 days a week. Our Meals on Wheels program also delivers around 600 meals to seniors in need. None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors like Optima Living and others. Your support, whether through food or financial contributions, truly impacts the lives of those we serve," said Linda Wing, Cloverdale Community Kitchen
"Wow. This is amazing. When we receive non-perishable food items from food drive efforts such as Optima Living's, we can immediately pivot the items in our ongoing youth pantry. Thank you so much,” said John Kehler, Program Assistant Manager, Directions Youth Services Centre.
At Optima Living, we are incredibly proud to contribute to the communities we serve. This initiative represents our commitment to People, Place, and Community, and it reflects the heart and spirit of everyone involved. As we look to next year, we are determined to surpass this year’s results, and we invite everyone to join us in continuing to support local food banks and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us.
Everitt Gardens
Lewis Estates
The Hamlets at Penticton
Parkwood Place
The Kensington
Wisteria Place
Sweetgrass
