THE FEDERAL government may have moved to eliminate the penny but it still has value at the Ksan House Society.
The society has started a penny drive to buy food for its transition house residents.
The society hasn't had an increase to the transition house's food budget in more than 10 years.
“We have the busiest transition house in BC. Last year 585 distinct individuals stayed here. We feed 16 women and children every day – most nights we have to limit portions,” said a statement from the society this week.
Local resident Danny Sheridan got the idea for the penny drive following the federal government's decision to stop making the coin as a budget measure.
As a first contribution to the drive, Sheridan delivered a plastic bucket and a cloth shopping bag full of pennies to Ksan's building last week.
“What's best is you don't have to count them or roll them. You can just bring them in,” he said.
Volunteers at Ksan House will do the rolling and society executive director Carol Sabo said it will provide a tax receipt if wanted.
The Ksan building is at 4838 Lazelle Ave.