Growing need highlights launch on 23rd London Business Cares holiday food drive
For the second year in a row, the London Business Cares food drive is not setting a ‘goal,’ according to campaign chair Wayne Dunn.
“We don't want to make anybody feel they have to be the result of that,” Dunn said. “So give what you can but only if you can.”
In 2021, the threat of the pandemic creating lockdowns and uncertainty led to the decision, this year it is inflation. Dunn hopes the community will step up again when it raised 588,000 lbs. of food.
A big change that has occurred is more money and cheques are being donated along with food, which allows flexibility into what, and when that donation is used.
“We’re able to fund the other programs throughout the year, and they have great returns on them, and that can’t be done without us having cheques,” Dunn said.
Partners like the London and District Construction Association are doing several unique events like a silent art auction
“Imagine construction people selling art at an event at the Grand Theatre!” executive director Mike Carter quipped. “And the painting that we sold last year during the business care food drive was 5,000 bucks, I couldn't believe it. So now we decided to really test the market and do three and we'll see how it goes.”
The Grand Theatre is heavily involved again, collecting through its production of Elf. Over the last five seasons, The Grand has raised over $340,000 for the food bank, and is well on its way this year according to new executive director Evan Klassen.
“We opened on Friday last week. We have already done six collections. (Where) we've already collected $12,000 towards the food bank,” Klassen said.
This weekend hundreds of volunteers will be at local grocery stores collecting for the food drive.
“Go to any grocery store in London, you're not going to miss us. And we have all volunteers out collecting food, buy it, buy a bundle or buy some cans and donate to the volunteers on site,” Dunn said.
The food drive runs until Wednesday, Dec. 21
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.