Firefighters from all three Peninsula departments will cruise the streets, and open their lots to drop-offs in a bid to fight food insecurity.
The annual Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive returns Saturday, Dec. 16, to support community members who rely on the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank to supplement their food needs.
The annual winter drive is set against the backdrop of an ever-increasing demand across the province.
Since 2019, food bank visits have increased by 57 per cent, according to Food Banks Canada. In B.C. 30 per cent of them are children. Locally, the 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 operations manager Tyson Elder.
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At the same time, donations have dropped across the province.
“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 period or an ongoing basis,” explained Elder.
The 2023 Christmas food drive, involves a blend of traditional neighbourhood drives, along with drop-off stations set up at local fire halls.
Sidney firefighters will drive the neighbourhoods south of Beacon Avenue on Dec. 16, from noon to 6 p.m. with a drive-through, and drop-off in the back lot of the Community Safety Building happening at the same time. Donations can be also dropped off at the safety building on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 15.
“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,” said Lieutenant Rick Toogood of Sidney Fire Rescue. Toogood has been helping coordinate the food drive for more than a decade.
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Central Saanich crews with cruise neighbourhoods in Brentwood Bay, Tanner Ridge, and Saanichton on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at Central Saanich Fire Station #1, 1512 Keating Cross Rd. and municipal hall weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 15.
North Saanich crews will visit Dean Park and the Eaglehurst area on Dec. 16 between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Donations can be dropped at the Wain Road fire hall weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 15.
“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.”
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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.
Residents can participate in a neighbourhood drive-through, by bringing donations out to a firefighter when they pass by or leaving a bag of donated items on the doorstep or curb.
