Friendship Day has blossomed into Friendship Month at Grower Direct.
The annual event sees people drop off non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army at Grower Direct florists, 4190 Fifteenth Avenue.
In exchange for food items donators are given a packet of six roses to share with friends to help spread the word that donations are needed for the food bank at the local Sally Anne.
Melody Small at Grower Direct said she heard that the Salvation Army needs more food donations and thought it would be helpful to continue the effort until Sept. 16.
There has been a big increase in need for assistance and the Salvation Army is feeling the crunch.
"We're now providing an average of 6,014 supports per month compared to 4,383 last year and 3,362 in 2008," said Bruce Kirk, Salvation Army executive director. "That represents an annual increase from last year alone of almost 20,000 supports. And those numbers don't even include, school supplies, Christmas Hampers, specials meals such as Christmas and Thanksgiving and the many other supports we provide in the way of clothing, furniture, services and household goods."
To donate to the cause bring any non-perishables to Grower Direct and pick up flowers to share with friends.
