05/16/2026
Did you catch the article in the Pioneer about this young man with a big heart? Here is a small part of it, we are very grateful for his efforts which could not have come at a better time as we continue to require a bit of a boost!
"His is race doubled as a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Food Bank.When Hartwick was a kid, his family sometimes used a food bank, so he knew firsthand just how valuable a service it provides.
“I wanted to give back to the Columbia Valley community, because the community has been so good to me,” he told the Pioneer. “It’s been a big life change for me. A great chance to hit the reset button.”
Most food banks see the overwhelming bulk of donations come in around Christmas time and Thanksgiving, but the needs of those using the food bank are year-round, explained Hartwick.
“I wanted to help raise a bit of awareness about that, and to hopefully get some funds flowing in (to the Columbia Valley Food Bank) at a time when normally they don’t,” he said.
Hartwick drummed up interest in his effort the old fashioned way by putting up posters and typing up a letter and going door-to-door around town, collecting pledges. He wasn’t entirely sure how much he’s raised so far, when he spoke with the Pioneer, but knows it’s close to a couple of thousand. Hartwick is hopeful a few more post-race donations push him closer to his goal of raising $3,300. (He chose that figure because he turns 33 this year.)"
Visit www.cvfoodbank.ca/donate-to-the-columbia-valley-food-bank/ to donate.
