The Chemainus Harvest House Society is grateful for the cash and food donations for the food bank at its Saturday Fill The Truck fundraiser.
Despite rainy weather, a total of 1,325 pounds of food was received, along with $1,688 in cash.
The amount of food collected, “that was up from last year,” said spokesperson Jan Aikman.
Volunteers were set up in front of the 49th Parallel Grocery at Chemainus Village Square to collect donations and stack them in the truck while also serving hot dogs and drinks.
“Great shoutout to all our community people who provided those great raffle items,” Aikman added.
She reserved special recognition for store manager Paul McGregor and the 49th Parallel Grocery team.
“They donated the use of a truck, barbecue, coolers for the drinks, ice, cases of hot dogs and hot dog buns made in-house,” noted Aikman.
Staff also helped out during the event to ensure volunteers had everything they needed and then assisted with unloading the food at the Harvest House Food Bank.
The 49th truck replaces the St. Joseph’s bus that was previously used for the fundraiser until the school closed. “Because 49th is our biggest supporter, we just decided it would be their truck,” said Aikman.
Volunteers just had a meeting and “we might change a few things up and try to make a few things better,” she noted.
Those who missed supporting the fundraiser can always make cash or food donations from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays in the basement of the Chemainus United Church.