Two Nova Scotia radio stations are joining forces to help feed the less fortunate.
Big Dog and Cat Country Radio run an annual campaign for the Colchester Food Bank in Truro, N.S.
“People were here at 5:30 this morning, waiting to drop off donations before they headed to work, before they got their day started. So it really goes to show that when we come together as a community, we really can make a difference,” says radio host Lindsay Benoit.
Last year, more than 46,000 pounds of food was donated in just 12 hours.
Whether it’s from individuals or large corporations, everyone has a special reason to give.
“This is our community, we need to look after ourselves,” says Debra Thompson, of Truro Walmart.
“It's a good cause and we had a grandson we lost in a motorcycle accident a few years ago and we kind of dedicate it to his memory,” says donor Bob McWilliam.
Each donation is weighed before being packed away in a truck from the Commercial Safety College. The food is taken from the drop-off point to the nearby Colchester Food Bank, where it will be sorted and packed up, before it's distributed.
Last December the food bank helped more than 2,000 people, a third of them children.
“The food is coming in, but…a lot of times it's gonna go right back out again because they need the food,” says Mary Deadder, with Colchester Food Bank. “This year, I'm looking at the bags and the boxes and they seem to be really filled to the top and I'll tell you that's heartwarming.”
The Truro Fire Service are also offering a different kind of assistance.
“Every year we present a cheque to the food bank,” says Tim Saxton, with the Truro Fire Service. “It's our way of helping out the best we can and this way, we give them a cheque for money, that way there they can get what they really need.”
The food drive has continued to grow over its 12 years and organizers hope this year will be no different. They are looking to collect a record high 50,000 pounds of food.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
