The volunteers who have kept the Beaver Valley Food Bank going over the past 25 years have been named the 2026 Beaver Valley Citizens of the Year.
“I was absolutely thrilled,” said Maggie Harlamovs, who is one of them. “I thought it it’s really wonderful to have all our volunteers recognized.”
She said about 40 people are directly involved with running the food bank, but they end up with more hands on deck, because many bring their families along. The food bank operates out of a space on First Street in Fruitvale that’s shared with the local thrift store.
Demand for their services have stabilized following a big increase over the last few year, Harlamovs said. This year has been about the same as last, although they are expecting an uptick. Forty to 50 hampers are given out each month. Volunteers go shopping and then give out hampers on Thursday mornings by appointment. When they are particularly busy, there is an afternoon shift as well.
“So it’s quite a bit of a commitment,” Harlamovs said. “Each volunteer does just a bit of it. We don’t expect everybody to do everything.”
Funds to keep the food bank operating come from individual donors as well as grants. They receive support through the Columbia Basin Trust’s ReDi grant program as well as from the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. Other groups have done food drives for them.
Harlamovs has been involved for about 10 years and is just one of several long-serving volunteers. George Neigel joined in 2005.
The organization started as a food cupboard at the Beaver Valley United Church. People would drop off canned food and others would take what they needed.
In addition to now providing hampers, the food bank has developed an outreach meal progam, where volunteers cook about 100 meals once a month, which are frozen and then distributed to elderly people, people with disabilities, and anyone who lacks cooking facilities or has trouble with cooking.
Harlamovs said the Citizens of the Year recognition is appreciated.
“I just think it’s a real honour. We have, over the years, had a lot of different people involved and it’s been fun to connect with some of those people and get them the recognition.”
The award was presented Friday.
