Impact Stories

22nd North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast Raises Over $18,000 for Community

Donations will bring hope to local children and youth

On October 2, 2024, the 22nd Annual North Okanagan Drive-Thru Breakfast brought warmth and generosity to the region, raising over $18,000 to support local children and youth programs, among others like seniors, emergency response, and food security. Hosted by the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre, the event will help fund vital initiatives focused on early childhood development, youth leadership, and after-school activities that nurture the future of our community.

What made this year’s breakfast so special wasn’t just the money raised—it was the incredible spirit of giving that filled the air. Local businesses, volunteers, and community members came together to create a beautiful moment of unity. Hundreds of cars rolled in, greeted with smiles, hot coffee and muffins provided by Tim Horton’s, and breakfast bags filled with delicious treats and hidden surprises like travel vouchers, resort stays, and gift cards.

“Whenever there’s a gap in our community, United Way BC steps in,” Gibson added. “And thanks to everyone’s kindness, all the funds raised will stay right here in the North Okanagan, helping those who need it most.”

A Community United in Generosity

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many dedicated partners. A heartfelt thank you to the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre, who has graciously hosted the event year after year, and to our amazing local media partners—Castanet Vernon, Global Okanagan, The Vernon Morning Star, Beach Radio 107.5, and Pure Country 105.7 —who not only promoted the event but also showed up bright and early to welcome breakfast guests with live broadcasts and enthusiasm.

We’d also like to thank Nixon Wenger LLP, Lake City Casinos Vernon, Nature’s Fare Markets and Pythe Navis MDP for their tremendous generosity and volunteer support. Your contributions, including prizes, breakfast and bag items—helped make this day unforgettable.

A big shout out to every business and organization that contributed in-kind items and volunteers. Thank you! For a list of contributors and partners, please visit https://uwbc.ca/22nd-north-okanagan-drive-thru-breakfast/.

From all of us at United Way BC, thank you for your unwavering Local Love. Together, we’ve made our community a brighter, kinder place.

UNITED for kids and youth in need.

This year’s Drive-Thru Breakfast will help fund United Way BC initiatives in the North Okanagan region, including many that focus on children and youth, like School’s Out. This program ensures vulnerable school-aged children have access to safe spaces where they can get mental wellness and developmental support during after-school hours.

“It’s a tough time for parents right now,” said Kris Gibson, United Way BC’s Provincial Director of Corporate Relations. “With inflation and financial pressures, it’s more important than ever to ensure kids get the after-school support they need. This event makes a real difference.”

“School’s Out has been a fundamental pillar for our family balance,” says Constanza, Lorenzo’s mom (photo), who is a School’s Out participant in Lumby, BC. “My husband and I are working parents, so it would not have been possible to sustain our lifestyles without a program like this. Not only does it make a big difference financially, but it is also valuable support for the family. It’s a place where I trust my child, my most precious thing in life, and I have peace of mind that he is well taken care of and having fun.”

You can help fund local United Way BC programs like this that contribute to ensuring kids and youth, from Revelstoke and Salmon Arm to Lumby and Vernon, have the life they need and deserve – building stronger, healthier communities.

Read Lorenzo’s story

Learn more about United Way BC School’s Out

Check out all United Way BC initiatives that focus on children and youth