08/28/2026
Community generosity in action.
A huge thank you to Costco Wholesale Canada Kelowna for donating nearly $6,000 worth of food and essential supplies to support people displaced by the Bald Range wildfire and the evacuation of Summerland.
Getting these donations to where they were needed most was a true community effort. United Way BC staff delivered the first load to local donation centres and Bethel Church Penticton, while volunteer Pam Somers helped ensure the second load reached The Salvation Army Penticton. When transportation was needed, Pam reached out to Max and Anna Carbone of CENTURY 21 Assurance Realty Ltd , who immediately stepped up and loaned one of their moving trucks to make the delivery possible. As Pam shared, there was "no convincing" required. The response was simply, "Absolutely. When do you need it?"
For Pam, seeing Costco's donation and the community's willingness to help was "absolutely heartwarming." From local businesses lending resources to volunteers stepping forward and organizations working together, the experience reinforced the power of community during difficult times.
The supplies were received by Salvation Army, where Paul and Lisa helped coordinate distribution to those affected by the wildfires. In the spirit of neighbours helping neighbours, some of these items will also be shared with the new Recovery Centre being established in Summerland.
As Pam reflected, it was incredibly rewarding to see so many people helping families whose worlds had "changed overnight." When communities come together, the impact reaches far beyond a single donation.
❤️ Thank you to Costco Kelowna, Pam Somers, Century 21 West Kelowna, Salvation Army Penticton, and everyone who played a role in supporting wildfire-affected communities.
