THUNDER BAY – it’s a busy time of year, but jolly old Saint Nick always seems to have time to help the hungry in Thunder Bay.
On Friday, Mayor Bill Mauro encouraged anyone who can to help out Santa Claus and members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 966 as they embark on their 25th annual Santa Bus food drive.
Its an issue that needs to be tackled, the mayor said.
"It makes events like this, in its 25th year, even more important for us to continue with the effort," Mauro said. "There are so many good organizations in the community, Thunder Bay Food Bank being one of them, that continue to mee the needs of our community. So we're just happy to be able to support them and to play a small part in the succes and the work they've been doing in this city for so many years."
Ken Koza, presidents of ATU Local 966, said it's always a huge weekend when they roll out the Santa Bus.
It's for a great cause, he added.
"It's something we try to do for our community every year. Transit operators are out there on a daily basis in our community and we just feel this is a way we can give back to the city of Thunder Bay."
The Santa Bus will be at the No Frills on Edward Street on Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. and at the Arthur Street Metro store on Sunday from noon until 8 p.m.
Donations can also be dropped off on any city transit bus.
"We're looking for donations of non-perishable food items. Cash donations are welcome as well," Koza said. "It's the 25th anniversary, so we're making this a big one. We're having refreshments, some cake and prizes."
The impact the Santa Bus has on the Thunder Bay Food Bank's ability to continue to feed up to 1,400 families a month is huge, Koza added.
"In the last three years I think we've reached just over 10,000 pounds of food. I think last year was about $2,800 in cash donations. it would be nice to always surpass the previous year, but at the same time we're (happy) to receive anything the community is willing to give us."
