Diane and George Karpinsky have been nominated to represent good Canadians in Shreddies “Search for Goodness” campaign.
Erin Christie photo
Anywhere help is needed, George and Diane Karpinsky are sure to show up. So when Dorothy Smith heard about Shreddies “Search for Goodness,” she immediately thought of the couple.
The campaign, launched in 2011 by the iconic cereal label, encourages people to nominate someone in their community who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. Such is the case with Diane and George, Smith explained.
“They are the best people in our community and in our church. They typify what rural Canadians are all about; neighbours helping neighbours.”
Smith said she and her husband Chris initially met the couple at Seventh Day Adventist Church eight years ago and the four of them quickly became good friends.
In fact, when Smith’s husband had a series of heart attacks, the Karpinskys were at her side.
“Diane brought casseroles and George visited Chris every day. You just couldn’t ask for better friends.”
The Smiths aren’t the only lives to have been touched by the Karpinskys. George is known as the “anyone needs a ride guy” and Smith said Diane is often the driving force behind many of their church fundraisers.
The couple has also donated thousands of pounds of fresh produce from their own garden to the Oliver food bank.
“I would estimate six out of 10 people in this community have had their lives personally touched by these people,” noted Smith in her nomination letter to Shreddies.
“For years Diane worked in sales in this community, she’d see someone in need, quietly take note, and go about doing good,” Smith continued.
Diane said she and George took note of a growing need for access to healthy food in Oliver eight years ago and subsequently opened a soup kitchen, which opens every Thursday from noon to 1 pm at Seventh Day Adventist Church.
She said they have fed up to 45 people a week, many of whom are also invited to a monthly fellowship meal, which is held the first Saturday of each month.
George noted the need for the kitchen became more prominent after the closing of General Coach in 2010, which resulted in significant job losses within the community.
Food Banks Canada’s annual Hunger Count report indicates those effects are still being felt today. According to the report, the Oliver food bank saw a 41 per cent increase in usage between 2011 and 2012, following several years of steady use.
“The Bible tells us to help people who can’t help themselves,” said George.
“I think it’s up to the people in the community to help each other. We just want everyone to get a fair shake. We just want to do our best to help.”
When they heard about their nomination, the Karpinskys told the Chronicle they were shocked and though they knew the reason Smith nominated them, they say they don’t quite understand why it was so noteworthy. Smith said that is a typical response for Diane and George.
“They do so much in the community and they don’t get any kudos, and they don’t expect it. This nomination is my way of helping them get the recognition they deserve.”
Erin Christie
Oliver Chronicle
