'Tis the season of giving, and in Whistler that means several local organizations are teaming up once again for the resort's annual holiday food and toy drive.
The Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Fire Rescue Service, Sea to Sky RCMP, Fresh Street Market and the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) are joining forces on Thursday, Dec. 15 to spread a little yuletide cheer. Donations of non-perishable food items and children's toys will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of Fresh Street Market.
While cash is always preferred, for anyone wishing to donate food, WCSS, operator of the Whistler Food Bank, recommends donating non-perishable items such as soups, pasta and broth for those without a means of cooking; ramen bowls or other foods that require only hot water to prepare; and granola bars and other healthy snacks.
“While WCSS is grateful for any donation, cash is always good because it gives them flexibility and buying power,” said Sea to Sky RCMP Cpl. Angela Kermer in a release. “Any level of generosity from one can help contribute to making another’s heart happier over the holidays.”
Toys for both boys and girls are appreciated, as well as gift cards for teenagers. In the release, the RCMP recommended purchasing cards for stores such as London Drugs, Best Buy, Walmart and Armchair Books.
The Whistler Food Bank continues to see incredible demand, with more than 1,000 people a month accessing the food bank over the past seven months, buoyed by a significant increase in seniors and children accessing the service. Monthly demand for the food bank is roughly five times higher than in pre-pandemic times, WCSS said.
