The fifth annual Pitt Meadows Food Drive is happening this Saturday.
To date the food drive has raised more than $6,681 and collected more than 12,603 kilograms of non-perishable food for the Friends In Need Food Bank.
Last year the event raised $1838 and about 442 kg of food. The first year, though, the event raised 10,433 kg of food as the City of Pitt Meadows tried to break the Guinness World Record for the most food collected in one day.
This year Mary Robson, executive director of the Friends In Need Food Bank, would like to see the numbers go up.
“The first year there was a lot of gung-ho because it was the first year and it was like, yeah, we can do this and how much can Pitt Meadows raise in one day,” said Robson.
“We are just hoping we can generate more involvement, more participation from the residents of Pitt Meadows,” she continued.
This is considered the lowest point of the year for the food bank. Robson says this is the season when they have to purchase the basics for the hampers. Right now they have absolutely no canned fruit in stock.
They are in desperate need of canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and pastas. They also need the dietary supplement Boost for their senior clients and gluten-free items for people on special diets.
“We are finding that there are more and more people that we are dealing with with Celiac and food allergies and we are starting to have to be a little more specialized,” said Robson.
For the event staff at the Pitt Meadows Save-On-Foods have packed hampers based on the list of food items supplied by Robson to cover the basics. The hampers are $10 each.
They will also have a Spin-the-Wheel game where customers can win bonus points or pick a prize. One spin will be $2 and three for $5. Hot dogs will be available by donation.
“We have always been big supporters of the food bank and this event is a good example of the community working together,” said manager Glenda Siemans.
Seniors and staff at the Wesbrooke will also be raising money and collecting food.
“The seniors and staff of the Wesbrooke are so excited to give their time and energy to help people in need,” said Gwen O’Connell, community relations coordinator for the Wesbrooke Seniors Living Community.
The event coincides with the Campbell’s Company of Canada’s Help Hunger Disappear campaign.
The Pitt Meadows Food Drive takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Apr. 14 at the Wesbrooke Seniors Centre at 12000 190a St. or at Save On Foods in the Meadow Vale Shopping Centre.
The Friends In Need Food Bank will also be collecting donations at the opening day of the Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball League from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Apr. 14 at Pitt Meadows Athletic Park.
In addition they will have a booth set up from 10 a.m. to noon on Apr. 14 at Valley Fair Mall for National Volunteer Week Panckae Breakfast where they will also be accepting donations.