Business Cares Food Drive launches 2021 campaign

Adapting to Covid restrictions and putting an emphasis on financial donations, the Business Cares Food Drive kicks off its 22^nd annual campaign

Photo: Business Cares campaign chair, Wayne Dunn

THE BUSINESS CARES Food Drive is set to kick off its annual campaign, and with the pandemic continuing to impact how we interact with one another, organizers are stressing the continued need to come together as a community to support our Londoners.

“Last year, the heart of our community came shining through, despite the challenges and uncertainty that the pandemic created,” says Wayne Dunn, Business Cares campaign chair, in a release from the organization. “Though we’re not back to normal yet, we’re taking steps. But for many in our community, this new ‘normal’ has created new challenges.”

Story Continues Below

 

From uncertain or unstable work to needs brought about by health considerations, Dunn says more and more people are finding themselves in need of support.

“That’s why the concept of ‘taking care of business means taking care of people’ has never been more important,” he says.

The Business Cares Food Drive campaign officially launches on Wednesday, December 1, with an event at RBC Place. At the launch event, Dunn will share plans for the 2021 campaign and changes necessitated in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“For the past 21 years we have been truly humbled by the outstanding support members of our local community generate for those in need in our community,” Dunn says, adding that this year the focus is on financial donations to provide the London Food Bank the ability to purchase fresh produce, milk, eggs and baby food to support its various programs throughout the coming year.

Last year, the Business Cares Food Drive received a record total of 597,000 pounds’ worth of food donated from the London community.

“This year, with what our world and city continue to go through with Covid, there will be no goal,” Dunn adds. “The business community will be asked to give what they can ― and only if they can.”

Story Continues Below

 

The London Food Bank provides emergency food items for over 7,000 individuals monthly ― 39 per cent of whom are youth under the age of 17. In addition, the number of seniors using the Food Bank’s services continues to increase. The London Food Bank also provides assistance to over 30 other programs and social agencies in our area.

For more information about Business Cares, visit businesscares.ca.