Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive returns Saturday, December 14th

The annual Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive is returning on Saturday, December 14th to support community members who rely on the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank to supplement their food needs.

This year’s Christmas Food Drive will involve a blend of traditional neighbourhood drive throughs, along with drop off stations set up at local fire halls.

Donations are needed now more than ever as Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank has experienced a 20 per cent increase in the number of people needing help to feed themselves and their families over the past year.

“We are seeing many new faces at the Food Bank these days from young families to seniors who can no longer cover their basic living costs,” said Tyson Elder, Operations Manager for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. “With the postal strike, we are hoping people who used to mail in donations find other ways to give, including online donations through our website, and taking part in this critical food drive.”

Lieutenant Rick Toogood of Sidney Fire Rescue has been helping coordinate the Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive for more than a decade.

“I have strong feelings about the food drive,” said Lieutenant Rick Toogood of Sidney Fire Rescue. “It is encouraging to see support from firefighters and the community for such an important cause. However, this is the 17th year that our firefighters and their families have participated in the Peninsula Food Drive and the need has never been higher. That is a sobering fact. One that serves to rally those who can, to help those in need. I hope we can count on the support of the residents of Sidney.”

“The annual Peninsula Food Drive is an incredibly valuable community event,” said Interim Chief Steve Sorensen of the North Saanich Fire Department. “Our members and their families look forward to supporting this important event and cause. North Saanich residents have been invaluable in helping to make this an annual success and we look forward to seeing everyone. Helping to support the increased need in the region through the Peninsula Food Drive, especially during this time of year, is an important way for all of us to help those in our communities that need a little extra help.”

“We would like to give a huge thank you in advance for donations and help towards supporting the Saanich Peninsula Food Bank, and also wish everyone the best during the season and beyond,” said Central Saanich Firefighter John Inoke.

Non-perishable food items and cash donations are gratefully accepted. Charitable receipts can be issued for donations over $25.

Below are the donation opportunities:

Sidney:

• Neighbourhood Drive Throughs in neighborhoods north of Beacon Avenue on December 14th, 12pm – 6pm.
• Drive-through donation in the back parking lot of the Community Safety Building can be
  made on December 14th from 12pm – 6pm.
• Drop offs can be made at the Sidney Community Safety Building until December 13th from
  8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Central Saanich:

• Neighbourhood Drive Throughs in Tanner Ridge and Saanichton on December 14th, 10am – 2pm.
• Drop offs can be made at the Central Saanich Fire Station #1 (1512 Keating Cross Road)
  and Central Saanich Municipal Hall from December 9th – 13th from 8:30am – 4:30pm.

North Saanich:

• Neighbourhood Drive Through in the Dean Park and Eaglehurst area on December 14th, 1:30pm – 3:30pm.
• Drop offs can be made at the North Saanich Fire Hall #1 (986 Wain Road) and Hall #2 (1665 McTavish Road) until December 13th, 8am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.

To participate in a neighborhood drive through on December 14th, bring your donation to a firefighter when they pass by your home, or leave a bag of donated items on your doorstep or curbside to be collected.

To find a list of the items most in need, check out ‘12 Days of Christmas Giving’ on the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank website.

Note: It is important to check that any donated goods will not expire within the next six months.

Media Contacts:

Rick Toogood
Sidney Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator
rtoogood@sidney.ca

Travis Stewart
North Saanich Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator
tstewart@northsaanich.ca

John Inoke
Central Saanich Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator
John.Inoke@csaanich.ca