The Cherryville community may be small in numbers, but it is BIG in giving!
Every year we have tons of supporters who make this day possible, starting at 6:00 in the morning and ending around 10:00 at night, families and individuals are given Christmas Hampers and Gifts. What initially started as a very small community service in 1971, this was the foundation that the Cherryville Community Food Bank Society started on…49 years ago, wow! It has flourished into a beautiful community building event where we support one another and ensure our people are taken care of during the holiday season.
Thank you to all the volunteers that support us each and every year, to donors who give so generously, and every person, group, and organization who make this service a possibility.
Behind the scenes in Food Bank Building, getting organized!
Volunteers from all ages, kids to seniors, giving back to our community together!
In 2016 we teamed up with Lake Country Food Bank and established the “Network of Sharing” in which we have connected nine different food banks that we can distribute food to when we receive large quantities of food. This reduces food waste entering our landfills, a national issue that has major environmental effects, as well as puts more food directly into the hands of community members, programs, activities, and events. Inspired by this partnership, we reached out to collaborate with Nakusp Food Bank who supports five rural communities between us. With safe transport of perishable items being the largest obstacle, we successfully sought and secured funding through Food Banks BC to purchase a refrigerated truck. We are now delivering fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, dairy products, and any other food/household goods we receive in excess that they are willing and able to accept. Extending this network of sharing concept into the Kootenay region has proven to be a positive impact for all communities involved as well as reducing the environmental impact of excessive waste entering our landfills. Our commitment to this social cause has resulted in this expansion of our food bank services, directly contributing to our mission of promoting healthy living and food security while reducing waste.
This program is funded by Interior Health through the Community Food Action Initiative grant.
Cherryville Community Food and Resource Society (CCFRS) is looking to hire a full-time social worker. This position includes working directly with caregivers in the Cherryville and Lumby area offering one-on-one support, system navigation, education and knowledge translation, support groups and hosting 3-4 larger events per year devoted to caregivers.
Education, Training, and Experience:
Bachelor’s of Social Work degree
Minimum one-year related experience working with seniors, caregivers, or others in an outreach type role; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
Group work experience an asset
Must hold a current First Aid & CPR Certificate (available through CCFRS)
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
Must be at least 19 years of age
Must have a Valid Drivers Licence and Vehicle
Work Performed
Duties and Responsibilities for this position include:
One-on-One Support: includes providing emotional support, health care system navigation, knowledge and skill enhancement, connection to community services, and any other individualized support focused on caregivers. One-to-one support is provided through in-person meetings primarily via home visits, check-in calls, email, texts, or virtually.
Support Groups and Events: planning and facilitating various support groups (in-person/virtual) for caregivers living in Cherryville and Lumby. Planning 3-4 larger events in both Cherryville and Lumby throughout the year which may include educational workshops, luncheons, dinner with presenters, etc. to support caregivers in their role and to reduce caregiver strain and burnout.
System Navigation Support: Making referrals to other programs, resources, and services both in Cherryville and Lumby.
Working Collaboratively: Working as part of various teams, building relationships and liaising with community partners both in Cherryville and Lumby, making new connections with service providers in surrounding areas that support caregivers and their loved ones, working positively with CCFRS staff.
Evaluation and Reporting: must provide quarterly reports to Executive Director and maintain relevant statistics and data tracking. Encourage client feedback and quality impact surveys.
Fostering Safe Environments: embracing a non-judgemental approach and encouraging open and inclusiveness with program participants, families, community partners, and staff.
Adhering to CCFRS policy and procedures
Hours: This is a full-time position, 35 hours per week at $30/hour. Monday-Friday 8:00-3:30 (hours can be flexible as determined in accordance with Executive Director). Mileage reimbursement at $.65 per km.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit resume with at least two references by email to: Meghan Derkach, Executive Director at meghan.derkach@ccfrs.ca
Primary Place of Work: Cherryville Resource Center (158 North Fork Rd., Cherryville). Job activities are conducted in both Cherryville and Lumby area. Some remote work may be considered.
Tis the Season! We have been busy planning, organizing, and collecting items for this years Christmas Hamper event for our Cherryville residents. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a Christmas hamper this year, please reach out to Sharon Harvey at 250-550-6646 or drop in to the Resource Center and pick up an application from either Michelle or Amanda. Hamper pick ups will be December 17th at the Cherryville Community Hall, all individuals will be provided a time slot after registration is complete. *Deadline for submissions is December 8th!
If you are not familiar with this program, each year around Christmas time we provide an extra large hamper to individuals in need along with Christmas presents for any children part of this program. Although Christmas time can be filled with excitement and wonder, it can also be a very stressful time of year and a real financial burden. We have been giving back to our Cherryville residents to try and alleviate those Christmas stressors for well over 40 years now!
Are you looking to donate or help with this event? There are a few different ways you can support our families at this time.
Annual Angel Brunch – this is a wonderful time spent together in community, sharing great food and even better conversation! Come hang out at the hall with us for some friendly banter and socializing. Everyone is encouraged to bring a brunch item and an unwrapped gift for a child to be used for our children in need at Christmas time. We will accept everything, small stocking stuffers to larger presents, all is welcome! When? Friday, November 25th at the Cherryville Hall from 10:00am-12:00pm.
Angel Sponsorship – our “Angels” are symbolic of every Cherryville child registered for a hamper. We work closely with Cherryville Elementary School where the kids complete Santa Wish Lists that we can then find a few items to include as Christmas gifts. Every angel card for sponsorship includes details about the child you are sponsoring (except the name as the identity of our children remain confidential) and some suggested likes and dislikes.
Christmas Bazaar – Cherryville Community Food & Resource Society will have a table set up at the Christmas Bazaar along with “Angels” in need of sponsorship. We will have homemade baked goods for sale where all proceeds go toward funding our Christmas Hamper and Gifts event. If you would like to sponsor a child or donate money toward sponsorship of a child, this is a great place to do it. Or, instead of giving money we are welcoming any homemade baked item that we can use for sale at the Bazaar. Please drop any baked goods off to Sharon Harvey at 412 Sugar Lake Rd by Saturday, December 3rd.
Thank you to all the incredible volunteers we have, the outstanding staff, and to this beautiful community who continues to give and support our residents year after year with such love and compassion. Cherryville is truly unique and we are beyond blessed to call this our home.
