It’s time to put the giving in Thanksgiving with the 17th annual B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive, which will be accepting donations from Sept. 6 to Sept. 30.
This province-wide campaign makes a real impact locally in Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, Duncan, and Mill Bay.
Fred McCullough, who coordinates more than 200 volunteers and plans routes for over 7,000 homes, has been involved since the drive began 17 years ago. The local drive will take place Sept. 15 to 20.
“I have to say it has been a great experience for me and all the volunteers over the years,” said McCullough. “Many of those who started out years ago are still involved. I’m almost 80 but I think I have a few good years left.”
Last year, the Cowichan Valley alone contributed approximately 15,000 lbs of food, all of which was distributed to the area's local food banks. This year, organizers are aiming even higher with a target of 16,000 lbs, as more families are struggling to make ends meet.
Local volunteers will not accept cash donations during the drive, but monetary contributions can be made online at bctfooddrive.org.
Henry Wikkerink, the manager of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society (CVBS), says the annual food drive plays a vital role, especially this year, as the food bank experiences some of its lowest inventory levels in years.
While food donations are always appreciated, monetary contributions allow the organization to purchase the most urgently needed items.
“Over the past several years, we have increasingly relied on purchasing food to supplement the actual donations received,” said Wikkerink. “In the last 12 months, thanks to the generous cash contributions from our community, we purchased over $250,000 worth of food to distribute in hampers. Unfortunately, in recent months, we have seen a decline in donations, which has made it challenging to meet the 20 per cent increase in demand we've experienced over the past year.”
He added: “Currently, the donations are falling short of what is needed. The contributions from the B.C. Thanksgiving Food Drive will significantly help address some of this need. Each month, CVBS distributes over 28,000 pounds of non-perishable food. We are incredibly grateful to the Cowichan community for the 10,000 pounds of food we received last year during the food drive.”
Monetary donations to the Cowichan Valley Basket Society can be made at cvbs.ca/thanksgiving.
McCullough said last year’s volunteer numbers were impressive, but he still needs more people to get involved before Sept. 10. Those interested in helping can call him directly at 250-710-0290.
“It’s all our hope that through giving, people will feel part of the community helping those less fortunate by sharing what they have with those who have much less,” said McCullough. “I think for most people it’s a good feeling to give.”
