On Sunday, Kim Snow, paramedic Vince Ford and several other volunteers will be back in front of the Murrayville IGA store in Langley at 22259 48th Avenue, collecting donations for Kimz Angels “fill the ambulance” fundraiser from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Saturday morning, as they were setting up for their first day, Snow said it was “sad” that the charitable organization has grown as much as it has in recent years.
“It is not a happy thing when we are growing,” Snow said, “because that means there is more need in our community and that is not a good thing.”
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Hundreds of families have been supported over the years by Kimz Angels, whose stated mission is to help less fortunate people in the community with food, clothing, housing and basic essentials.
This is the 18th year of the fill-the-ambulance drive organized by Snow and Ford.
Snow said the organization is looking for items like peanut butter, pasta, canned food, jam, salmon and tuna, soups, and granola bars as well as clothing and baby supplies.
Diapers, baby food, and baby wipes are all needed, said Snow.
But anything with an immediate expiry date like bread or milk is just not usable.
For customers, the IGA is offering already-filled $10 bags that shoppers can buy and carry out to the ambulance.
Items in the vehicle will be distributed over the Christmas season and into the new year to 75 Langley families, and some will be given out through the free store at the Langley Vineyard Church.
Kimz estimates, in an online statement, that it has helped over 300 families over the years through “the collection and delivery of clothing, furniture, non-perishable food, baby necessities, kid’s toys, school supplies, shelter and other basics for struggling families and individuals.”
I think people just get generous around Christmas time (but) the cause is all year round.” Snow said.
“We are helping the homeless and we are also helping the working poor .”
People who can’t make it to the IGA can make contributions by emailing info@kimzangels.com or by phoning 604-838-6579