A Cape Breton man who has been collecting milk for his local food bank for the past three years is looking for more donations.
Mickey McNeil started the fundraiser after hearing a story about a child using water to put in their cereal because the family didn't have enough money for milk.
“Right away you're relating yourself and saying, ‘What if it was my granddaughter? How would I feel?’ It would bother me,” said McNeil. “All parents would move heaven and earth to make sure your children are looked after, especially something like this, milk.”
McNeil says he hasn’t yet reached this year’s fundraising goal, down $400 from last year.
“I'm a little disappointed in the amount of milk that's been raised so far. We really hoped we could beat last year’s record, which was $825,” said McNeil.
Sandra MacPherson, who works at the food bank in Glace Bay, says the shelves are nearly bare and the need is greater than ever.
“Last month we served 171 children in our orders,” said MacPherson. “That's a big demand.”
All donations will be matched by McNeil and two community sponsors.
McNeil is hoping Cape Bretoners can open their hearts and pocketbooks, as they tend to every year, so no family goes without this Christmas.
“The worst thing about being a Cape Bretoner is that we don't know how to say no. If it's for a good cause they always seem to step up to the plate,” said McNeil.
Monetary donations are also accepted, which will be used to purchase more milk for the food bank.
McNeil is hoping to see a spike in the drive before it wraps up on Monday.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.
