Edmonton’s Food Bank is celebrating after two weekend food drives brought in more than $100,000. Football fans donated $52,448 for Edmonton’s Food Bank during this year’s Purolator Tackle Hunger game day food drive at the Edmonton Elks game on Saturday. Volunteers collected both non-perishable food items and monetary donations at the game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. “We continue to be so impressed by the support we receive from Edmontonians,” said Tamisan Bencz-Knight of Edmonton’s Food Bank. “We have so much gratitude for the fans, Elks’ players and the Purolator team who rise to the occasion each year, allowing us to support our neighbours who rely on our service. We couldn’t do it without everyone’s dedication.” Since its inception in 2003, the Purolator Tackle Hunger program has helped deliver the equivalent of more than 27 million meals to Canadian food banks. Heritage Festival at Hawrelak Park is another major food donation drive for the food bank. Bencz-Knight says about $50,000 was raised at that event, along with 18,000 kilograms of food. The campaign officially runs until Friday. “People are still able to contribute to our heritage food and fundraiser by making a contribution online or at any major grocery store,” Bencz-Knight said. “The Heritage Festival is one of those pick-me-ups for us as an organization, and then we’re going to see another little dip until we see Thanksgiving again. So we’re encouraging people, if you can give, to please do so.” Edmonton’s Food Bank accepts donations all year long through its website.
