The 100 Mile House RCMP and FreshCo 100 Mile House teamed up again this year to raise money and food for those in need.
On Friday, Nov. 29 the RCMP were parked outside of FreshCo with their cruisers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. looking to pack them full of donated food. By the end of the day, FreshCo owner-operator Daniel Broddy said they were able to load up three of the cruisers with donations that were split between the 100 Mile House Food Bank Society and Loaves and Fishes.
"We had just under 300 donation bags ranging from $5, $10 and $15 bags made up so all those went. Then we had just about $500 in gift card donations," Broddy said. "I would say we raised just over $2,500 (all together)."
Broddy said it was great to be able to support the food bank and Loaves and Fishes this year, noting this is the first time they've supported both groups. He credits the community for their generosity in making it all happen.
RCMP Const. Jeff McMichael was one of several officers who took part in the fundraiser this year. He remarked they had a fantastic turnout and he always enjoys watching the community give back during Christmas time.
"It gives you a warm feeling, that's for sure, seeing how much we were able to give to two different food banks that help out all the people in the community," McMichael remarked. "Life is very expensive right now and this is a time when you feel the crunch. It's just nice to give back when we can."
100 Mile Food Bank president Danny Williams said that they are always happy to receive food and money from Cram the Cruiser. Williams said the food bank has been faced with a very busy year and the number of recipients using the food bank has more than doubled.
"We're hoping that we can keep feeding everybody because it's gotten very busy," Williams said. "Right now we're probably right up to 250 hampers on hamper day on the first and third Tuesday of every month. During the week we do produce and we generally have 40 people on those days. It's quite busy."
When asked what's driving people to the foodbank, Williams said it's likely a combination of the current economy and the high price of gas and food. Despite the high demand, Williams remarked he and his team are ready to tackle it with the assistance of the community. He noted that throughout the holiday season FreshCo, Save-On-Foods, CKBX, RE/MAX 100, eXp Realty, Red Apple and other community businesses and groups run fundraisers to help support the food bank.
"This town really supports us well," Williams remarked.
The food bank is now gearing up to do its Christmas Hampers on Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Williams said in addition to food they'll be giving out toys donated by Save-On-Foods customers throughout the month to families with children.
Broddy said that Cram the Cruiser isn't the end of the fundraising efforts he's doing for the food bank. Throughout December, his store is collecting money on behalf of the foodbank and he encourages his customers to donate if they can.
"Any customer can donate money at the till or our self-checkouts and the money is collected over that month. Then we're sent a gift card in the amount of money raised which goes to Danny at the food bank," Broddy said. "It doesn't get old, it's always exciting to bring it and see the excitement on their faces."
Williams said that if anyone wants to support the food bank directly, they welcome cash or gift card donations above all else. Thanks to deals made with FreshCo and Save-On-Foods he said they can triple their buying power. Donations can be dropped off at the food bank directly or arranged by calling them at 250-395-3923.
"We've got a good selection of volunteers right now and it's working well for us," Williams remarked. "We're all anxious to get going."
