Currently, 400 to 500 men, women, and children come to the Squamish Food Bank each month creating an almost insatiable need for donations.
Fortunately, this year's annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive, a collaboration between the Squamish Multifaith Association, the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Squamish Food Bank, goes a long way to helping fill that immediate need.
"We have a plan and a system, but the success of the event is due in great part to a host of wonderful volunteers and the generosity of Squamish residents," said a news release from Squamish Multifaith association organizers.
The drive, which took place on Saturday, Sept. 15 resulted in 8,469 pounds of food collected and sorted and given to the food bank.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the program.
The Sikh Temple does a special collection each year to coincide with the event, for example.
This year, several donation pick up routes several routes were adopted as a family activity, organizers said.
Students of the Leadership Class at Howe Sound Secondary took on nine routes and 10 students from Quest University spent the day at the food bank sorting the collected donations. RBC also sent a team to help.
"Each year, the network of volunteers and donors broadens making this effort one that continues to engage the community in an act of service and love," reads the release.
