The 25th annual Syncrude Food Drive in support of the Wood Buffalo Food Bank (WBFB) brought in a grand total of $342,224.73 in monetary donations, and 76,935 pounds of food. These numbers were very close to meeting the goals the WBFB set out of of $350,000 and 80,000 pounds of food.
The Corporate Challenge had Syncrude’s CEO Mark Ward kick off things off with a pledge of $85,000 live on Country 93.3 and Rock 97.9. Other organizations were then encouraged to call in and donate throughout the day. In twelve hours $292,359.00 was raised on-air.
The Syncrude Food Drive itself took place over the span of three days and had 650 volunteers who helped raised an additional $49,865.73 in monetary donations, and 76,935 pounds of food.
“Following last year’s incredible fundraising totals, we knew that the numbers this year wouldn’t be able to compare, as 2016 was truly a unique year and took us by incredible surprise,” said Arianna Johnson, Executive Director of the WBFB.
“We decided to set our goals for this year compared to those of 2015, as this was more realistic when considering how much this community has been through over the past few years. With people still missing from our city, the economy affecting our families and our region, and the cost of our recent experiences, we really didn’t know what to expect. However, Fort McMurray surprised us yet again, and even when so many going through tough times, we saw so much giving.”
Many organizations played a huge role in the success of the food drive including Syncrude for being the title sponsor, H. Wilson for the use of their trucks, Driving Force for the use of their vans, Top Knotch Doors for their help doing pick-ups and for grocery bags, Noralta Lodge for the volunteer snacks, Devco for banners and signage, Chartwell’s for the coffee and hot water they provided every day for volunteers, and Rock 97.9 and Country 93.3 for being the media sponsor.
To celebrate the WBFB will be hosting a volunteer appreciation event on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre, inviting everyone who has volunteered at a Food Drive over the last 25 years. Volunteers will enjoy music, photo opportunities, activities, food and the chance to explore a WBFB learning center. The event is free, with registration online beforehand.
