Local Purolator drivers and volunteers took in $12,000 in food and donations during the first Purolator Red Bag collection in Elliot Lake.
The company distributed 1,100 grocery bags to homes in the Esten subdivision on Dec. 4 and collected them on Dec. 11 in donations from residents. The donations were of non-perishable food items bound for the Elliot Lake Emergency Food Bank for the holiday season.
“The Team collected an amazing 6,000 pounds or 3 tonnes of food product. The cash value of this collection is approximately $12,000,” said Len Kutchaw, Food Bank President.
“We are amazed at the generosity of our city."
The event started when a local resident, Bruce Panagapko, asked the Purolator driver if they supported the local food bank.
The Food Bank was contacted by Purolator's head office and advised of the Red Bag program and how Purolator would like to conduct the program in Elliot Lake.
In all, with two fundraising events for the food bank, one week apart, the Food Bank received over $23,400 in cash and food products. A separate event was hosted by Elliot Lake firefighters who held a drive thru donation campaign on Dec. 4 which raised $11,400.
“This is a tremendous boost to our Food Bank,” Kutchaw said.
Kutchaw thanks all involved and those who donated to the Food Bank Christmas drive assisting the less fortunate in the community this Christmas.