THUNDER BAY – Police and border patrol agents will spend Saturday helping feed the hungry at Christmas.
The annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event is being staged at grocery stores across the city, law enforcement officials seeking donations of non-perishable goods or cash, which will then be turned over to the Regional Food Distribution Association.
OPP Const. Diana Cole said the seventh annual event just keeps getting bigger and better every year – but unfortunately so does the need.
“It’s keeps increasing. The generosity of the people of Thunder Bay and the surrounding communities is just immense,” Cole said on Thursday, outside the Metro location at the corner of Arthur and James streets, where some shoppers dropped off donations two days earlier than scheduled.
“Every year we’ve done this, when we’re at a location, it’s overwhelming and heartwarming to see the public response, the positive response that they have just to donate so much food. It’s amazing how this community comes together and helps everybody out.”
Canned meat, fruit and vegetables, pasta, pasta sauces, cereal and peanut butter are just some of the items police are hoping people will donate. About nine tons of food was collected last year.
“Anything that’s non-perishable, as well as any monetary donations – anything that anybody is willing to donate, we’re so happy with that.”
Cruisers will be located at six different locations around Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, including the Real Canadian Superstore, Wal-Mart on Memorial Avenue, Metro stores on River and Arthur streets, Safeway on Arthur Street and Odena Foods in Kakabeka Falls.
Cole said it feels good to give back to the community.
“We’re members of the community as well. We’re friends, we’re neighbours, we’re family members as well. So we want to do our part to give back and help out,” she said.
