Sharon Harvey Receives King Charles III Medal for Food Bank Impact

UPDATE: In a heartfelt ceremony on August 9, 2023, Sharon Harvey, founder and president of the Cherryville Community Food and Resource Society, was awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal for her unwavering commitment to combating food insecurity. The event took place in the small rural community of Cherryville, located in the North Okanagan.

Harvey’s recognition comes as a significant milestone, not only for her but also for the entire community. In an inspiring display of teamwork, she honored over 30 individuals who contribute to the food bank’s success, emphasizing that the achievement is a collective effort. “It isn’t something I’ve done,” she stated after receiving the medal, awarded to approximately 20,000 civilians across Canada since 2023. “It takes people to help people.”

The Cherryville food bank has made a substantial impact, distributing about 2,000 pounds of food weekly. A unique community fridge outside the food bank also allows individuals to access an additional 500 pounds of food weekly, ensuring that no one faces the stigma often associated with traditional food bank visits.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary as a non-profit organization, the food bank has deep roots, tracing back to a Christmas hamper program initiated in 1969 by the Cherryville Gospel Church. Harvey, along with her sister-in-law, took over the initiative after the pastor’s passing. “We filled that space,” Harvey recalled, noting how the program evolved into a full-fledged food bank by 2008.

The nomination for Harvey’s medal came from Nick Johnson, manager of member services at Food Banks BC, who highlighted her profound passion and persistence. “The ripple effect of her work will be felt in this town for years to come,” Johnson remarked. He emphasized the importance of having someone like Harvey in a small community, stating, “You just feel like someone’s looking out for you.”

In a powerful testament to her legacy, Harvey’s daughter, Meghan Derkach, now serves as the executive director of the Cherryville Community Food and Resource Society. After the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully connected the resource center with Interior Health, enhancing access to essential health resources. “I’m so proud of her,” Harvey expressed, noting Derkach’s strong advocacy for those in need.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a symbol of significant contributions made by Canadians domestically and internationally. Out of 30,000 medals awarded, 10,000 have been bestowed upon members of the Canadian Armed Forces, underscoring the importance of Harvey’s recognition.

As the community celebrates this achievement, the focus remains on the ongoing efforts to support those in need. For residents of Cherryville and beyond, Sharon Harvey’s dedication serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of community action in addressing food insecurity.

Stay tuned for further developments as the Cherryville Community Food and Resource Society continues to expand its outreach and support for those in need.