The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department annual food and toy drive was a tremendous success due to the generosity of Parksville residents. A record amount of food, toys and cash was collected on Nov. 19 and 20 from residents in the Parksville Fire Protection Area; more than 30,000 pounds of food and $14,000 in cash donations.
Firefighters, honourary members and volunteers went door to door to collect for the Salvation Army food bank. The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department has been conducting the food drive since 1998, and over the years has collected a tremendous amount of food and donations. This year’s record results show the community came out in full force to support the Salvation Army food bank.
Chief Marc Norris expressed congratulations at a Sunday evening wrap-up dinner for volunteers and sponsors, “My thanks and congratulations to Mark Chandler and his organizing committee as well as the many volunteers who worked so hard during the weekend,” he said. “Everyone should be extremely proud of the results and the difference their efforts made for our community.”
Mayor Marc Lefebvre said, “The residents of Parksville should pat themselves on the back for their unselfish generosity in support of the fire department’s annual food and toy drive. As well, I wish to thank everyone who participated in the collection efforts to support this much-needed cause.”
The neighbourhood of Craig Bay collected a record amount of 1,900 pounds of food and more than $5,000 in cash donations, which contributed to the success of this year’s drive. One of the residents from Craig Bay generously donated nine years of Quality Foods Q Points.
The food drive is also successful because of the generosity of local sponsors. The fire department offered thanks to Oceanside GM, Parksville Chrysler, Progressive Waste Solutions, Budget Truck Rentals, Arrowsmith Moving and Storage, Quality Foods, The Pie Factory, Chef Z’s Samosas, Smitty’s Parksville, Salvation Army soup kitchen, PQB News, Island Radio and all the behind the scene help. Special thanks went to 1st Cubs and Scouts who went door to door with members.
— Submitted by City of Parksville VFD