The Parksville Volunteer Fire Department annual food and toy drive was a tremendous success due to the generosity of Parksville residents. In one of its best years ever, more than 38,000 pounds of food and $21,000 in cash donations were collected on Nov. 18 and 19 from residents in the Parksville Fire Protection Area, the City of Parksville announced in a written release.
Also involved in this year’s food and toy drive were the Qualicum Beach, Coombs-Hilliers, Dashwood and Errington fire departments and the newest addition to the drive, Bow Horn Bay Fire Department.
As of Wednesday morning (Nov. 22), Coombs-Hillier Fire Chief Aaron Poirier said the department was waiting to hear back from the Salvation Army Food Bank on final numbers.
Firefighters, honorary members and volunteers went door to door to collect for the Salvation Army food bank. The PVFD has been conducting the food drive since 1998. This year’s results show the community came out in full force to support the Salvation Army food bank.
“The generosity throughout our fire protection area was phenomenal,” Parksville fire chief Marc Norris said. “The success of this year’s food drive was possible because of the support from our businesses and community organizations. As well, I wish to recognize the tremendous efforts of Parksville firefighters and honorary members who, along with their families, helped to make this year’s drive such an overwhelming success.”
Chief Norris also thanked Parksville firefighter Lt. Daryl Britz and his organizing committee.
“Everyone should be extremely proud of the results and the difference their efforts made for our community,” he said.
Mayor Marc Lefebvre said, “My sincere thank you to the residents of Parksville for their generous support of this year’s food and toy drive. As well, my thanks to all who participated in the collection efforts to support this much needed cause.”
The city credited the generosity of local sponsors with the success of this year’s drive in Parksville, thanking Oceanside GM, Parksville Chrysler, Progressive Waste Solutions, Budget Truck Rentals, Arrowsmith Moving and Storage, Quality Foods, Enterprise Paper, Five Star Wholesale Foods, Cubs and Scouts of Parksville, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Craig Bay Residents Association, Salvation Army, PQB News and all those who help behind the scenes.