Photo #1 – Natalie Wolfe ( VF Staff ) Linda Gergley ( Park Place Resident ) Delene Haro ( VF Staff ) Samantha Zeeman ( VF Staff ) Stuart Syme ( Park Place Resident) Stacey Gagno ( VF Branch Manager) Marko Bosnjak ( VF Staff )
Photo #2 – Natalie Wolfe ( VF Staff) and Abby Wolfe ( 3 yrs old – helping Mom )
Valley First’s Oliver branch worked through the heat last Friday to ensure Park Place residents were prepared to pack their possessions ahead of their move. The branch jumped to the assistance of the seniors after learning of the issues with the 43-unit complex. Branch manager, Stacey Gagno knew immediately something had to be done to help.
“It’s a tough situation for Park Place residents and the community,” says Gagno. “After hearing the extent of the issues and how residents would have to relocate, we rallied with our community partners to help the seniors that live in the building. With the generous financial support of Valley First, the assistance of More Affordable Storage in Penticton for pricing, we were able to assist with supplying the entire building with new moving boxes, packing paper and tape.”
On June 28, Valley First’s Blue Blitz team delivered 1215 moving boxes, 250lbs of clean news print and packing tape totaling more than $2,000 worth of supplies. “For us, it’s about coming together as a community,” says Gagno. “Being involved and creating good things is extremely important to us. We have to give back when we can.”