THUNDER BAY - While Santa may not be riding around on city transit this holiday season, the holiday spirit certainly will be, as transit riders lend a hand to those in need.
The 22nd Annual Santa Bus Food Drive will be taking place all this week, starting Monday Dec. 5 and running until Sunday, Dec. 11.
All city transit buses will be accepting non-perishable food donations throughout the week in support of the Thunder Bay Food Bank. Ken Koza, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union 966, said the annual campaign has always been a big success.
“Last year we brought in just over seven tonnes,” he said. “We are hoping we will exceed that this year.”
While donations will be accepted on all city transit buses, there will also be several opportunities to donate next weekend. On Saturday, Dec. 10, a bus will be parked at the Metro on River Street from 12-8 p.m. to collection donations and on Sunday, Dec. 11, a bus will be at the Arthur Street Metro from 12-8 p.m.
Koza hopes to completely fill the buses with food donations and he said in previous years they have come close.
“Last year we were pretty close,” he said. “At the back portion of the bus we had it stacked up nearly to the roof.”
Koza believes the success of the campaign demonstrates how much people in the city care about those in need, but it also highlights just how much need still exist in the city.
“I think the citizens of Thunder Bay have seen the need,” he said. “There’s definitely an issue with homelessness and substance abuse issues in the city and I think people recognize that and are willing to lend their support.”
