BC Ambulance is hosting its 10th annual food drive geared for donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society for those in need.
Staff volunteers, like advanced-care paramedic and station chief Rob Pritchard, who coordinates the event, will be seen outside Save On Foods in the Hart on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday at the Save On Foods in College Heights from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. where they will be at the ready to receive donations from those shopping at the store.
"We get so much great feedback about how simple this is and how awesome it is because people are shopping anyway and all they have to do is drop it off outside the store and we deliver it," said Pritchard.
To offer some ideas, volunteers will provide a list of items that are suitable for donation.
The event has already seen food collection last weekend that resulted in 151 banana boxes filled with non-perishables ready to be delivered, with an ultimate goal of 250 boxes and a wish of 300 donated when all is said and done.
"This is a basic community need," said Pritchard. "We see the end result of people who are under privileged and can't afford to eat properly and we know how closely it relates to health and we do work in that environment and see people in that situation - the elderly and the young."
Pritchard was involved in a similar project in Victoria before he moved to Prince George and brought the idea along with him.
"Our guys have jumped on board very enthusiastically and have supported it every year," said Pritchard. "It's unfortunate that we have such a need but it is the reality."
All proceeds including donations of cash go to food for those in need. Pritchard said gift cards to Save On are most welcome as well.
"Everyone does this by volunteering their time," said Pritchard. "It's so nice because there is no cost going out - the ambulances that get filled with food are donated so 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to the people who need it. There is no overhead."
Not only does the food go into St. Vincent's Christmas hampers but it's enough to carry them through the lean winter months as they provide meals seven days a week 365 days a year at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Drop In Centre at 1220 Second Ave, said Pritchard.
"It's amazing how much people give," he added. "It's so heart warming to see the generosity of the people of Prince George as we all help to support St. Vincent in the good work that they do."
