It’s amazing what a T-shirt can do.

That is, a T-shirt autographed by former Vancouver Canucks captain Trevor Linden, which, along with a little help from Oliver notary Gregory Litwin and Gina Chapman of Interior Savings, raised $1,117.00 for the Oliver Food Bank.

The T-shirt, depicting photos of Linden’s participation in the 2011 Granfondo in Penticton, and stating, “The course is amazing. It doesn’t get any better than that for a bike ride,” is one of a few Litwin had made with the intention of using them to raise money for local foods banks and soup kitchens. He then brought the T-shirts to a notary conference in September where Linden was a guest speaker. Litwin was impressed with Linden’s talk and afterward approached him to sign the T-shirts, explaining his intentions. Linden thought Litwin’s plan was a ‘great idea,’ and was happy to oblige.

Litwin later had a lunch meeting with Gina Chapman and told her of his idea. Chapman’s reaction was equally enthusiastic.

“Hey, I have a great idea,” she’d said to Litwin. “Let’s hang up Trevor’s T-shirt at the branch and we’ll add some other prizes that our members could win and have a draw or raffle, with all the proceeds going to our local Oliver food bank.”

The raffle was a success, and a cheque for $1,117.00 was recently presented to Jim Ouelette, treasurer of the Oliver Food Bank. The generous donation will help the food bank assist many needy local individuals, especially during this cold season.

Litwin hopes to soon use his other T-shirt to raise more money for either the food bank or soup kitchen.

Never underestimate the power of a T-shirt or the generosity of local community members and residents.