The Business Cares Food Drive started its 26th annual campaign Thursday morning at RBC Place in London, Ont., gathering hundreds from London’s business and non-profit sectors as the need for food assistance keeps growing.
Campaign chair Wayne Dunn mentioned that demand at the London Food Bank has risen two percent from last year, adding to a staggering 50 percent increase over the past two years. The food bank now helps more than 16,000 individuals each month, including many children, and supplies 34 social agencies that operate over 90 local food programs.
“It’s tough every year because we know what’s ahead of us,” Dunn said at the launch. “Demand keeps growing, but so does the generosity. It’s the community now, not just business, that makes Business Cares what it is.”
The three-week campaign kicks off with its grocery store weekend. Volunteers will be present at 43 stores across London collecting non-perishable food items.
“We won’t be missed,” said Dunn. “There’ll be a thousand volunteers, 43 trucks, and all that food comes back to the warehouse on Monday.”
Several events will follow, including support from the London Knights, The Grand Theatre, Tech Alliance, and the well-established Tampon Tuesday initiative. Students involved in The Grand Theatre’s High School Project performed seasonal songs at Thursday’s launch, something Dunn noted reflects the “time, treasure and talents” that keep this campaign going strong.
Last year saw Londoners donate a record-breaking 683,000 pounds (309,804 kilograms) of food. This year’s drive is again focusing on financial donations since they allow the food bank to buy fresh produce, milk, eggs, and baby food.
There isn’t a specific fundraising target this time around; Dunn explained this was a conscious decision made after the pandemic.
“Give what you can, only if you can,” he said. “For some that’s a can of food. For others it’s volunteering. It all matters.”
The campaign runs until December 19 when volunteers will come together for their Morning of Magic to announce their total fundraising results before delivering food to those in need.
More information is available at businesscares. ca.
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