The fourth annual Emergency Services Fight Back Against Hunger Community Food Drive will be held on September 17 and 18 between 6 pm and 8 pm this year. “There are 3 purposes of this campaign,” organizer Krista Carnegie said in an e-mail.
“The first is to raise awareness of food security issues locally, and to draw awareness to hunger within our community. Every week approximately 110 households, including up to 55 children need to take advantage of the Community Connections Food Bank here in Revelstoke. Keep in mind that not only are these numbers astounding, they are also outdated by a year, and the food bank saw growth in all areas over the course of this past year!
“Second, we are bringing together Emergency Services teams with community groups to build connections and community bonds. Most importantly, though, we are doing this to fill the cupboards of our food bank. With projects waning, donor fatigue and fewer government contributions, the Community Connections Food Bank needs our help.”
Carnegie said that last year more than 200 volunteers collected over 11,795 lbs of food and thousands of dollars in cash donations. “Imagine how long this supplements our community’s cupboards,” she said.
“We try to hit every neighborhood and as many doors as possible in this door to door blitz… So, we need your help. This year, again, we are looking to build our volunteer collective out of our local community groups.” Carnegie said individuals and groups should contact her with the following pieces of information:
- First of all, a commitment from your group. Some groups will be able to participate both nights, and this is preferable…but if you can only do one night, that is still great;
- I need to know how many participants your group will have (adults and youth inclusive), how many participants will be under age of majority (19) on each night;
- I will need to know how many vehicles/legal drivers (ie. without L/N restrictions) will be at our disposal. Parent/guardian participation is SMILED upon ;);
- I will need the contact information for the person who will be responsible for their group so that I can have all necessary permissions, and all information packages available before hand; and
- Most importantly, the desire to help others! Come, knowing that we are doing an AMAZING thing for our community!
“If you are or your group are interested in giving us a hand, please do let me know ASAP, even if the details need to be sorted out at a later date,” Carnegie said.
“It gives me an idea of how many individuals outside of community groups that might need to be recruited. I would greatly appreciate your assistance! Please feel free to give me a call at 250-837-8569. If you call during business hours you will reach my voicemail. Please leave me a detailed msg with all pertinent contact information. Most of my calling (both answering and calling back) will have to be done after 5 on weekdays, so please leave me a way to contact you that way as well. “
