The 2020 Parksville Fire Department Food and Toy Drive, despite not being able to traditionally knock on doors for donations due to COVID-19, was still able to raise close to $95,000 and collect almost 5,000 pounds of food.
Parksville firefighters, who were stationed at different business locations on Nov. 14-15, raised $74,849 with most of the funds coming from generous Craig Bay residents, who donated a total of $40,942 and also 2,300 pounds of food. The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department Association also donated $1,475.
The other fire departments who were involved in the drive were:
• The Qualicum Beach Fire Department (raised $11,616).
• Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department (raised $1,007 and collected 1,287 pounds of food).
• Deep Bay Fire Rescue (raised $2,600 and collected 765 pounds of food).
• Errington Fire Department (raised $2,036 and collected 203 pounds of food).
• Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department provided members in both Qualicum Beach and Parksville.
The fire departments expressed sincere thanks for the support given to the food and toy drive every year and helping them assist those in need in the community.
For those who missed the food and toy drive, you can still make donations.
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SOS is accepting donations for their Christmas program. Financial donations can be made online at www.sosd69.com and by phone, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 250 248-2093. Toys, gifts and gift cards for children and youth can be dropped off at the SOS Community Services Centre, 245 West Hirst Ave., Parksville, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Salvation Army food donations are accepted at 886 Wembley Road, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Monetary donations may be made by mailed cheque to Mount Arrowsmith Salvation Army, PO Box 1874, Parksville, BC, V9P 2H6; by phone with credit card to 250-586-6250, Monday to Thursday; and online through the website with a credit card.
— NEWS Staff