July 14, 2010

KTW’s very own ‘community hero’

By: Kendall Walters – Kamloops This Week

The work of Dale Bass (centre) inspired Kari Smith (right) of the Kamloops Food Bank to pen a letter, which in turn led to Greg Symes (right) and Canadian Linen Services to donated $2,500 to the local food bank. MELISSA LAMPMAN PHOTO/KTW

Dale Bass is the sort of reporter you want on your side. She’s the sort of writer who could break you with a few well-placed words.

She’s also the sort of writer who could make you if she wanted to.

Bass is on the side of the Kamloops Food Bank. At least, that’s how the organization’s event and fundraising co-ordinator Kari Smith sees it.

Smith sent a letter to Canadian Linen and Uniform Service earlier this year, describing a community hero. Her choice was none other than KTW’s own Bass.

But, why would a reporter be the hero of a food bank?

Because this particular reporter is the champion of the underdog, always keeping important causes in the spotlight.

She’s the one out front writing about issues most people don’t even want to talk about. After the new year is rung in, she’s the first one to call the food bank to find out how much stock is left.

And, long after Christmas, when the food bank has slipped from the public eye, Bass is the reporter helping to organize fundraisers and keeping the agency in the minds of residents.

Smith didn’t know she had entered a contest; she only knew each missive received by Canadian Linens meant the company would donate $25 to Food Banks Canada.

But, her impassioned letter about Bass won a contest Smith didn’t even know existed.

And, yet again, the reporter who never rests helped out the Kamloops Food Bank, this time by winning it $2,500.

Now, because Bass would throw a fit if it was left out, one more gentle reminder: The food bank is always taking donations, especially now as it runs its annual Christmas in July fundraiser.

No wonder Smith calls Bass “the food bank’s angel.”