For the month of December, donations are being accepted in Port Hardy to help around 500 people on the North Island.
According to Loaves and Fishes executive director Peter Sinclaire, they have seen a nearly 30 per cent increase in the number of people needing to access its services. This means they are looking to provide more and more Christmas hampers to people each year.
Sinclaire adds that the generosity of people on the North Island has helped them meet the demand, but they need more aid.
“We have been able to meet the demand and that’s because in addition to our operations in Port Hardy, we do operate throughout Vancouver Island,” said Sinclaire. “Which means that we are able to tap into donations of food from around the country.”
Sinclaire says they were able to get a 20-pallet shipment of rice on Thursday and that kind of big donation helps them meet the demand.
This time of year, he says people are selecting dairy, deli and meat items, peanut butter, canned fish and canned chicken.
With the Stuff the Truck fundraiser running right through December, clients are able to register for their Christmas hamper on their website and a number of spots are still available. Sinclaire adds they need volunteers and many donations of food and cash.
“However, if people are able to contribute, we would love to have them partner with us to make sure everyone has a Merry Christmas this year,” added Sinclaire.
The fundraiser is being run out of the Applewood Auto Group through to the end of December, and more information can be found on their website.
