Parksville Fire Rescue’s Fill the Boots for Food drive was a huge success because of the generosity shown by the community.
A total of $94,090.70 in cash for the Salvation Army food bank was collected during the weekend along with new unwrapped toys for the Society of Organized Services (SOS), according to a news release by Parksville Fire Rescue.
Craig Bay residents were also exceptionally generous, donating a record $64,680 in cash.
Residents in the Parksville Fire Protection Area generously support the annual drive and are the true reason this annual campaign is so successful. Parksville Fire Rescue appreciates the charity of our residents who make the difference for many families in our community.
The department appreciates the support of Canadian Tire, Save-On-Foods, BC Liquor Store, Quality Foods and Thrifty Foods.
“On behalf of Parksville Fire Rescue members, my sincere gratitude to the residents of the Parksville Fire Protection Area for your generosity and to our members who each year support the Fill the Boots for Food drive with their time,” said Chief Marc Norris. “Our members are extremely proud of the results and the difference their efforts continue to make in our community.”
READ MORE: Parksville neighbourhood raises nearly $65,000 to ‘Fill the Boots for Food’
The Salvation Army food bank and SOS are organizations which provide for less fortunate in our community. Donations may be made as follows:
• SOS is gratefully accepting donations for its Caring for Community at Christmas program. The program provides special gifts for local children and youth, and grocery store gift cards are provided to families, adults and seniors so they may choose food that is meaningful to them over the holidays. Financial donations can be made online at sosd69.com, in person or by phone (250 248-2093), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New, unwrapped gifts can be dropped off during the same hours at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville (245 Hirst Ave W) and at Qualicum Commons (744 Primrose St., Qualicum Beach).
• Salvation Army food bank donations are accepted at 886 Wembley Rd., Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
— NEWS Staff, submitted