When Prince George paramedics gave first aid to the issue of hungry citizens, the public responded to their lights and sirens.
Most times, the public tries to get out of the way of paramedics doing their work, but crowds flocked to the ambulances parked in front of different Save-On-Foods locations earlier this month. Paramedics were volunteering to gather groceries for the St. Vincent de Paul Society's efforts to feed the local population suffering from household food shortages. It was their fifth annual "Red and White Hunger Fight" campaign and it just ended to rounds of applause from the stakeholders involved.
"It went great. We had almost a 30 per cent increase [over record-setting 2010]," said paramedic Rob Pritchard, one of the key organizers. "It amounted to 315 banana boxes full of food, and if you figure each one is worth about $50, that was awesome. That is going to do a lot of good in the community."
Pritchard said that he has seen the food in action once it is in the care of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. "You'd be surprised at the faces you see down there," he said. "It supports a broad range of people that would be surprising to most. There is a perception that it is only the people of the street using those services, and they need our help for sure, but others need help too from all walks of our community."
This was seemingly understood by the public dropping off food at the ambulances stationed at the grocery store exits. On the way in, a list was provided to interested shoppers of the items most needed (staples like pasta, rice, etc.) to guide those wishing to help. Many shoppers added their own touches to the donations made.
"One guy rolled up three overflowing buggies. It was probably worth $1,000 and he walked away with nothing for himself, so the generosity is overwhelming," Pritchard said. "We are becoming part of the fabric of Christmas around here, which is very good."
About 20 paramedics also heeded the call for help, showing up to supervise the operations at the various locations. Some came with family and friends who brought their willing spirits also.
Plans are already underway to add the Hart location of Save-On-Foods which so far has not been part of the rotating collection points.
The paramedics' Christmas food campaign was something Pritchard brought with him to Prince George from Victoria when he moved here more than five years ago. He and the local volunteers have refined it and now Prince Rupert has joined the initiative as well. Pritchard hopes BC Ambulance Service takes notice of Prince George's community efforts and inspires communities elsewhere to try it themselves.
