PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees, Valley First and the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank are teaming up to tackle hunger on Friday, March 22nd, when the Vees face the Merritt Centennials at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC).
It’s Valley First Feed the Valley night, as fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the game. All donations will be donated to the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank. Cash donations are also highly encouraged.
“Our team at Valley First is thrilled to partner with the Penticton Vees to come together with our community to raise food and funds for the Salvation Army Food Bank. Helping families and our communities flourish is at the heart of everything we do at Valley First. For this reason, we launched Feed the Valley in March 2010, an innovative community partnership aimed at tackling hunger in the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Thompson valleys. It’s about being there for the PEOPLE and FAMILIES in our communities,” says Simon Mills, President of Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union.
Fans who bring a minimum of three (3) non-perishable food items or $5 cash donation, can enter a draw to win the Vees Ultimate Playoff Experience, which includes:
- One (1) suite (up to 10 people) for Game One of the BCHL Playoffs
- $200 food and beverage voucher
- Player autographed Vees’ jersey
- Suite visit from Harvee & Vees’ players
The Vees are looking to set a new BCHL attendance record on Feed the Valley Night. The current record of 5,008 was set by the Chilliwack Chiefs on January 7, 2023, against the Cranbrook Bucks. The SOEC attendance record is 4,778 set on February 10, 2023, on the Vees’ annual Pink the Rink night.
“Food security is a pressing issue in the South Okanagan, and the need is great in our community. This event is a great way for us to rally together and help others. Our goal is to not only set a BCHL attendance record but support the growing demand on our local food banks with what we hope is record highs in non-perishable food donations,” said Vees’ Vice President of Business Operations, Fraser Rodgers.
Last year, 1,470 pounds of food was collected to help restock the Penticton Salvation Army Food Bank. Since 2011, nearly 23,000 pounds of food and over $8,000 has been donated at the Penticton Vees’ Feed the Valley sponsored game nights.
The 50/50 jackpot on March 22nd, is a guaranteed $10,000, courtesy of Valley First. Proceeds from the 50/50 jackpot will go to food security programs in the South Okanagan. Fans can purchase 50/50 tickets ahead of the game online starting today at 12:00 pm. To purchase online, visit www.BCHHOF5050.ca. Must be 19+ to purchase. Know your limit, play within it. Tickets only sold in B.C. BC Gaming event license 144605.
The Vees are offering local businesses a chance to win a pair of corporate flex tickets for the 2024-25 season, by booking a staff group outing to the game, and bringing non-perishable food donations. The winning business will be announced on March 22nd.
Tickets for Feed the Valley night are available at the Valley First box office at the SOEC, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com
