CUPE 798 helps bring out the ‘Santa’ in everyone

BIG HEARTS, BIG HAUL - CUPE 798 secretary-treasurer Graham Mahy and city payroll clerk Gaye Ross pose with some of the food donated at Saturday's event.

Food bank fundraiser nets $900, truckload of food

POWELL RIVER—With donations slowing down mid-summer, the Action Centre Food Bank needed a  boost—and that’s what it got on Saturday (July 21), thanks to the “Christmas in July” fundraiser co-organized by CUPE’s municipal, regional and library workers.

The event raised more than $900 and hauled in a truckload of food for those in need.

“People were definitely in the giving spirit,” said CUPE 798 president Danielle Craigen. “We had volunteers come out to help us cook hotdogs and fill our carts. It was awesome, to have so many involved.  Even Santa came by to put people in the giving spirit.”

The event was organized by CUPE 798 in partnership with Quality Foods. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, CUPE 798 members collected cash and food donations outside while "Santa" roamed the aisles inside the store, encouraging shoppers to donate.

 “It is amazing, how much work the volunteers do, and we want to thank everyone for taking part,” said Craigen. “The event was so well received in the community that we are hoping to make it an annual event.”

Cash donations and proceeds from food sales will be used to buy items the food bank really needs at a discounted rate from Quality Foods.

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