Mounties will once again be inviting the public to cram a police cruiser full of donations in support of the Lake Country Food Bank.
The RCMP will again partner with the Lake Country Fire Department for the fifth annual RCMP Cram the Cruiser fundraising event Saturday at the Save-On-Foods in Lake Country between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Since its inception, Cram the Cruiser has raised more than 8,843 pounds of donated items, and nearly $11,250 in cash and cheques for the Lake Country Food Bank.
Both regular and auxiliary members of the RCMP, in regular uniform or red serge with marked police vehicles, along with RCMP Citizen’s On Patrol volunteers will be on location inviting the public to cram the cruiser with non-perishable food donations.
Cash donations will also be accepted and all donations will solely benefit the food bank.
“The number of those who rely on the support of the Lake Country Food Bank seems to grow each and every year,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, RCMP spokesperson.
“I was shocked to hear that at least 500 individuals, one-fifth of those believed to be seniors, readily depend on this charitable organization for the everyday essentials they need to survive.”
O’Donaghey was told by volunteers Bev Marsh and Joy Haxton, who oversee operations at the food bank, that donated food options for those with special dietary, needs such as those who are diabetic or celiac, are greatly needed.
“As are meal supplement shakes, such as Ensure, which are too expensive for the food bank to purchase, but a great meal replacement option for their senior citizen clients,” said O’Donaghey.
Personal hygiene products are always needed, and special gifts like toys for children are always accepted by the food bank.
Lake Country firefighters will also be on site to serve up chilli and a bun for a donation to the local food bank. All of the food supplies are being donated by Save-On-Foods.
Everyone who contributes with a donation of any size will be given the opportunity to enter their name into a draw for prizes donated by Lake Country, Kelowna and West Kelowna businesses.
“We are very excited for the return of this year’s grand prize for our draw generously donated by West Jet,” said O’Donaghey.
Those who donate to the Cram the Cruiser, could have a chance to win a West Jet gift of a flight voucher which is good for one round trip flight for two people to any scheduled West Jet destination.