Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive returns Saturday, December 16

The annual Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive is returning on Saturday, December 16 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 reported its busiest month on record in November.

“The food bank is not only supporting the most vulnerable members of our population – many local families and seniors just can’t cover all their expenses these days,” said Tyson Elder, Operations Manager for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. “We know times are tough and we are glad people on the Peninsula know that this is a judgment free space. Everyone here knows what it’s like to go to the grocery store and spend as much on a bag of groceries as we used to spend on a cart. We are here for anyone who needs us, whether it be for a short-time period or an ongoing basis”.

Lieutenant Rick Toogood of Sidney Fire Rescue has been helping coordinate the Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive for more than 10 years.

“The Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive is one of my favourite days of the year because I get to see so many community members giving what they can to help their neighbours. Even a child donating $5 is making a difference and experiencing how good it feels to give a gift that is truly needed.”

“The annual food drive for us in Central Saanich is one of biggest and most engaging fundraisers for our community,” said Central Saanich Volunteer Firefighters Association President Greg Michell. “This year with the need being greater than ever, any donation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing everyone out there for the annual food drive.”

“Heading into the holidays, the need for food and cash donations remains high,” said North Saanich Firefighter Brian Thomas. “I can’t tell you how much pride I take in seeing our firefighters give so much of their time to this important cause, and I hope residents will be just as generous as they have been in previous years.”

Non-perishable food items and cash donations are gratefully accepted. The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank can turn every dollar donated into $3 worth of food. Charitable receipts can be issued for donations over $25.

Below are the donation opportunities:

Sidney:

• Neighbourhood Drive Throughs in neighbourhoods south of Beacon Avenue on December 16, 12pm – 6pm.
• Drive-through donation in the back parking lot of the Community Safety Building can be made on December 16 from 12pm – 6pm.
• Drop offs can be made at the Sidney Community Safety Building until December 15 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Central Saanich:

• Neighbourhood Drive Throughs in Brentwood Bay, Tanner Ridge, and Saanichton on December 16, 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 11 – 15 from 8:30am – 4:30pm.

North Saanich:

• Neighbourhood Drive Through Dean Park and Eaglehurst area on December 16, 1:30pm – 3:30pm.
• Drop offs can be made at the North Saanich Wain Road Fire Hall until December 15, 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

To participate in a neighbourhood drive through on December 16, bring your donation to a firefighter when they pass by your home, or leave a bag of donated items on your door step 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 6 months.

Rick Toogood

Sidney Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator

Email: rtoogood@sidney.ca

John Inoke

Central Saanich Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator

Email: John.Inoke@csaanich.ca

Brian Thomas

North Saanich Firefighters Food Drive Coordinator

Email: jbthomas@shaw.ca