The shelves at the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank are completely full, ready to serve those in need over the holiday season. But just last week, it was a different story.
“It was a little scary actually. October right through to the beginning of December, we were very, very worried about how our donations were going to come through the door,” said the food bank’s executive director, Beverley Elder.
But luckily for the food bank, the annual Peninsula Firefighters Food Drive took place over the weekend. The Sydney, North, and Central Saanich volunteer firefighter associations brought in twenty pallets of food and roughly fifteen-thousand-dollars, all of which will go towards the Lions food bank.
“The core of our departments are volunteers and most people who are in these departments are people who are community-minded who want to give back. And so something like a food drive, it just fits really well with us,” said Central Saanich Firefighters Association President Stacey Lee.
While the food bank is extremely grateful, they fear that in three months when this supply runs out, they’ll be right back to having empty shelves.
“We can help with this but if you’re going to give your donations to the food bank if you can as a member of the community give them year-round,” Elder said.
It’s a friendly reminder to make a contribution during all parts of the year if possible.
“We can help with this but if you’re going to give your donations to the food bank, if you can as a member of the community give them year-round,” said Stacey.
The Peninsula food bank provides assistance for roughly 1,200 people on a monthly basis. Those wishing to donate can do so in person at their fifth street location, or online at canadahelps.org
Ben Nesbit
