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Ambulances filled with food

Paramedics participate in the 3rd annual Fill an Ambulance Food Drive in support of the RFDA

THUNDER BAY - Ambulances are often associated with saving lives, and even when its sirens are not flashing and it is not racing to the hospital, an ambulance, when filled, can still help change people’s lives.

On Saturday, Ornge and the Superior North Association of Professional Paramedics, hosted their third annual, Fill an Ambulance Food Drive in support of the Regional Food Distribution Association.

In the past two years, the annual drive has provided more than 4.8 tonnes of food and more than $4,500 to the RFDA.

“We really wanted to do something to reach back into the community,” said Tegan Fletcher, an advance care paramedic with Ornge. “We always run into the community and have that relationship with them when it is a very negative situation for them, so we really wanted to have a positive situation with the community, talk to people, get out there, and help one of our local foodbanks.”

Two ambulances were set up, one at Superstore and one at Westfort Foods. Fletcher said by noon on Saturday, they had already filled the ambulance at Superstore and she expected it would be filled a second time before the end of the day.

“It’s been really amazing,” she said. “One lady dropped a whole trunk load of groceries for us, we’ve had people drop off full carts, even one can makes a difference. If everybody donates a little bit, it just really helps the RFDA and it’s a high demand time for them and if we can get them ahead before Christmas, we can alleviate some pressure on them.”



Doug Diaczuk

About the Author: Doug Diaczuk

Doug Diaczuk is a reporter and award-winning author from Thunder Bay. He has a master’s degree in English from Lakehead University
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