Chemainus raised the most money of participating communities during a partnership between 49th Parallel Grocery Stores and Island Savings for local food banks.
Donations were collected at the Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith and Cedar 49th Parallel Grocery locations, with the organization matching donations up to $10,000 made though cash or by purchasing pre-packaged non-perishable food bags. Island Savings chipped in by donating four barbecues, valued at more than $5,000, to be used as grand prizes in each community.
Janie Dyson was the winner of the barbecue in Chemainus.
Chemainus raised a total of $17,017.17 while Ladysmith brought in $13,987.45, Cedar $6,357.20 and Duncan $3,422.65.
“It’s wonderful to see our communities coming together during this time of need,” noted 49th Parallel Chemainus store manager Paul McGregor. “Originally, we were only going to hold the fundraiser at our Chemainus location and after word spread, all of our locations came on board, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
The funds will go directly to the food banks in the four communities through Island Savings’ signature cause, The Full Cupboard, an innovative community program designed to raise food, funds and awareness for food banks in the communities where Island Savings operates. To learn more about The Full Cupboard or to make a donation, visit the Food Banks BC website.
“With many of our seasonal fundraising events cancelled because of COVID-19, we knew that we had to find a way to raise the funds that our local food banks depend on,” added Kirsten Waller, Chemainus branch manager at Island Savings. “We couldn’t be prouder of our members and communities for stepping up to support this fundraiser in a big way.”