Look down at your feet. If you’re at work right now, you’re likely seeing a pair of shoes specifically for the work you do – work boots, perhaps dress shoes or a nice pair of heels. Have you ever considered what impact those shoes have on your life? Now imagine not having that pair of shoes – or being in a position of choosing between purchasing a pair of shoes or buying groceries. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon scenario and it impacts individuals of all ages, including families, right here in our very own community.

That’s the challenge we’re hoping to address by partnering with Kelowna Sunrise Rotary for the inaugural Interior Savings Sunrise Rotary Ribfest this September – expected to be one of Kelowna’s largest festivals, and all for the purpose of building a stronger, more empowered community.

Proceeds from the event will be used to support the work Rotary is doing, however the main beneficiary this year is Shoe Bank Canada, a locally-based organization that is helping men, women and children have the chance to experience a better quality of life by providing clean and comfortable footwear.

The Festival

Being billed as a festival of flavour, family and fun, the Interior Savings Sunrise Rotary Ribfest will run from Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18 in Kelowna’s City Park.

The event will feature five internationally renowned Ribbers competing for the honour of Best Ribs and Best Sauce, including the highly coveted People’s Choice award. Admission is free and attendees will be able to purchase ribs, refreshments and other on-site food truck items.

In addition to tasty eats, there will be live music and entertainment, along with a Kids Zone that will include face-painting, crafts, games, inflatables and so much more.

We can make a difference

Jim Belshaw, founder of Shoe Bank Canada and owner of Roy’s Shoes in Kelowna, is a on a mission to ensure everyone in our community has a clean, comfortable pair of shoes. In particular, there is a great need in our community for work boots and children’s shoes. You can help us give someone a step up in life just by donating your gently used footwear.

So join us; grab a bag and take a look in your closets. One, two or three pairs of shoes – it all makes a big difference. Use an elastic or tie shoelaces to keep the shoes together. Drop the shoes off at any Interior Savings location in Lake Country, Kelowna or West Kelowna prior to the festival, or bring them down to Ribfest September 16 – 18.

Contest Alert

**This contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who entered.**

We’ve cooked up a contest for a chance to win an Interior Savings prize pack, including 4, ½ rack rib vouchers redeemable at Kelowna Ribfest, an apron and a barbeque grilling set fit for a king or queen. The prize is valued at approximately $175. Head on over to our Facebook page starting on August 18, correctly answer our trivia question and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Contest closes September 7, 2016. Good luck!