The 2012 Syncrude Food Bank Food Drive raised $323,710 & 53,097lbs of food for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.
Now in it’s 20th year, this 3 day fundraiser relies on more than 600 volunteers to man the red trucks outside all the grocery stores in town.
Executive Director Arianna Johnson says its going to last further than last years.
“Last years food lasted until August 1st this year, I’m pretty sure this will last until September first this year.”
She says its the hardest to get through the summer.
“It’s an amazing time, summer is really hard for us, food wise, food stock wise, we tend to not get as many donations through the summer and so for us to make it through September without having to do a huge amount of purchasing of non-perishable foods is amazing.”
After finalizing the numbers, she got emotional.
“We don’t have to choose between food and rent, it means that our clients don’t have to choose because we don’t have to choose, and that’s the best comparison I can make, is that I have enough money in the bank to run this organization and make sure that we can purchase effective nutritious food for our families.”
New for 2012, you could donate at the Christmas trade show at MacDonald Island Park and Gregoire Family Foods.
The red trucks also started a few hours early, 9am on Friday vs noon in previous years.
2012 saw an increase in food and money collected. In 2011, this event raised $268,750 & 45,369lbs of foods.
Posted December 2
