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Starting the week of Sept. 14, paper bags will be delivered to neighbourhoods across the community. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with non-perishable, in-date food items.

Filled bags should be placed outside by 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. Volunteers will collect the donations and deliver them to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

“The support we receive through this food drive truly means so much to us. Every bag of food and every donation helps us continue supporting individuals and families in our community who may be going through a difficult time. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to give and support their neighbours,'' said Priscilla C. Gutierrez, development & marketing coordinator, Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Residents can also donate at all Save-On-Foods locations in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Volunteers will be at the West Kelowna location from Sept. 14 to 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers will also be at Kelowna locations on Sept. 17 and 18, with hours varying by location.

Financial donations can also be made online through the food drive's donation page.

Crystal's statement:

LISTEN. CARE. ACT.

For 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving people in Kelowna—as a social worker, a small-business owner, and an active member of our community.

I’m running for Kelowna City Council because I care deeply about the future of this city and the people who live, work, raise families, build businesses and grow old here.

I believe good leadership starts with listening—not simply listening to answer, but listening to understand.

My approach is simple: compassion with accountability, practical solutions, and decisions that put people and community first.

Here are the five priorities I will bring to City Council:

1. A Kelowna People Can Afford to Call Home

Kelowna should be a city where young people can build a future, families can put down roots, workers can afford to live near their jobs, and seniors aren’t forced out of the community they helped build.

We need practical housing solutions, responsible development and a willingness to work with all levels of government and the private and non-profit sectors to increase attainable housing options.

2. Safer Streets. Stronger Neighbourhoods.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, downtown, parks and public spaces.

My years in social work taught me that homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction and public disorder require a collaborative approach.

People who need help should have meaningful pathways to housing, treatment and support. At the same time, compassion does not mean accepting behaviour that makes our streets and public spaces unsafe.

We can care for vulnerable people and expect accountability. Kelowna needs both.

3. Local Business. Local Jobs. A Strong Economy.

After 15 years operating the Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop, I understand the realities small businesses face—from rising costs and staffing challenges to regulations and the everyday uncertainty of keeping the doors open.

Local businesses create jobs, support families and give our neighbourhoods character. City Hall should make it easier—not harder—for responsible businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed.

4. Responsible Growth, Transportation & Infrastructure

Kelowna is growing, and growth needs to be planned responsibly.

Housing, roads, transit, parking, water, infrastructure and emergency services must keep pace with development. We need to think beyond the next few years and make decisions based on what Kelowna will need decades from now; while maintaining open strategy based relationships with communities & businesses affected by development.

Growth should improve quality of life—not simply increase density.

5. A City Hall That Listens

Residents deserve to know their voices matter—not just at election time.

I want a City Hall that communicates clearly, welcomes different perspectives, explains its decisions and remembers that it exists to serve the public.

I won’t agree with everyone, and I won’t pretend every problem has an easy answer. But I will listen, ask questions, do my homework and make decisions based on what I believe is in the best interests of Kelowna.

For me, public service isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s about showing up. Listening. Caring. And then having the courage to act.

Crystal Dougan

Candidate for Kelowna City Council

LISTEN. CARE. ACT.

25 Years Serving Kelowna

Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Mamas for Mamas, an organization that supports local families, including those affected by wildfires.