Get your donations ready! CHEK is hosting the 24th annual CHEK Christmas Drive Thru on Friday.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can drive through the CHEK parking lot and drop off non-perishable food items, warm clothing, toys and household items.
The donations will be distributed to the Salvation Army to families and single people in need throughout the community.
Pat Humble of the The Salvation Army Stan Hagan Centre for Families says this year, there is a real need for donations for seniors, as well as gifts for teenagers.
“Around 700 families will come through our toy shop to receive gifts this year,” Humble explained.
“One of the tougher areas is for teenagers because they are looking for more electronics and high end things or gift cards.”
Humble says the Salvation Army needs to fill nearly 3,000 food hampers this year as well.
Every year, hundreds of people in the community, as well as businesses, drop off donations to help those in need.
“We raised money at the Creative Craft Fair at Pearkes Recreation Centre by selling pies, loafs, and cookies,” explained Ronnie Birkland of the Ross Place Retirement Residence.
Birkland says they’ve purchased more than $1,600 worth of toys and goods for the drive.
“We put our heads together to decide how we could give back to the community,” Birkland explained. “The CHEK 6 Drive Thru was it.”
The event started in 1993 as a way to give back to the community.
CHEK staff, on-air personalities and their families will be in the parking lot to collect donations.
Ceilidh Millar and Gordie Tupper will be hosting the coverage live from the station parking lot.
“I love this time of year,” said Drive Thru co-host Gordie Tupper. “We get in the Christmas spirit, not only here at the station, but with all the people who watch CHEK.”
And after you drop off your items, make sure you enter the draw for two tickets to the opening night of the hit musical “Chicago” at the Royal Theatre in Victoria.
“When you come by to drop off your donations, there will be forms to fill out to enter into the contest,” explained Drive Thru producer Michael Woloshen. “It’s a wonderful way to say ‘thanks’ to our viewers!”
So come one, come all, to the CHEK News Christmas Drive Thru – we can’t wait to see you all there!
How to get to the CHEK Christmas Drive Thru
CHEK News
