Food Drive Challenge – Think outside the can!

The Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) has teamed up with Feed the Need Durham for the third year in a row to bring the Food Drive Challenge to Durham Region. Seven members of the WCC will be participating as drop off locations throughout the month of August:

• Bryson Insurance, 10 Roebuck St., Brooklin
• D.I.S. Financial Group, 122 Byron St. N., Whitby
• Dive Source, 423 Bloor St. W., Unit 2, Oshawa
• Eggsmart Whitby Shores, 617 Victoria St. W., Unit 10, Whitby
• Great Canadian Meat Company Inc., 1390 Hopkins St., Unit 7, Whitby
• Kake Kreations, 116 Dundas St. W., Whitby
• Lotus Home Interiors, 15 Baldwin St. N., Brooklin

Along with WCC members, for the first time ever, neighbouring chambers will also be joining in on the challenge as drop off locations, including the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Ajax Pickering Board of Trade and Clarington Board of Trade.

“The WCC once again stepped up to the plate in June 2016 to help us fill our empty shelves and beat the summer drought that typically hits the food banking world as school programs shut down, warm weather comes to town and vacations kick in,” said Robyn McKibbon, Outreach, Event & Volunteer Coordinator at Feed the Need Durham. “Our local businesses have done an outstanding job of pulling together to collectively make a significant impact in the lives of those in our community who need our assistance.”

The WCC and Feed the Need Durham are looking to expand on last year’s event and continue growing it for years to come. To achieve this goal, they have increased both the number of drop off locations and the overall goal. Through the month of August, the WCC and its neighbouring chambers are attempting to collect 3,000 pounds of non-perishable and non-food items.

“As we move forward into the summer months and our non-perishable food shelves diminish, we here at Feed the Need are encouraged by the WCC’s commitment to lead the way and drive this year’s event to further success,” said McKibbon. “Through engaging and inspiring their members along with newly participating chambers and boards of trade, we anticipate a hugely successful outcome that will allow us to meet the growing demand of our emergency food providers and their clients. We truly appreciate the collaboration and support of our business community and their dedication to helping those less fortunate.”