Delivering blessings
Parade’s first food drive a success
One local organization will continue to think of the Downtown Summerside Santa Claus Parade long after it has passed through city streets.
The Salvation Army Food Bank will be doling out the proceeds from a food drive organized by Adean Kreuzer and her family.
“It went so well,” said Kreuzer. “The city responded just as I knew they would.” Kreuzer and her volunteers collected an entire half-ton truck full of non-perishable food at the parade, Nov. 23. Some people tracked them down with donations before the parade started and many refused the complimentary coffee coupon she offered in return. She lined up local businesses to donate supplies, including aprons to hold the coffee coupons and candies for the kids.
But the day of the parade, the truck carrying the aprons was stuck on the other side of the Confederation Bridge.
At the last minute, Kreuzer set off into the Black Friday shopping crowds to find another donor. She found a manager at a large chain store. When Kreuzer told her the story of the aprons trapped on the other side of the bridge and her parade plans, the manager decided to help.
“She was gone for five minutes. She came back with a piece of paper and she said, ‘sign here and best of luck.’
“It was so neat that as soon as you said what you were doing, they would do whatever they could [to help].”
The family runs Advanced Builders and Advanced Pluming. Kreuzer said the 10 volunteers mostly employees - were skeptical of her attempt at first, but by the end they had changed their minds.
“They were all so excited about the amount food they received,” said Kreuzer.
Captain Neil Abbott with the Salvation Army Food Bank was surprised at the amount of food gathered.
“It was so awesome to see that the community took notice and responded once again. The support was greatly needed.” Abbot and his wife Dolores hand out about 100 food boxes a week and the truckload of supplies Kreuzer dropped off will last about that long.
“It’s always so nice to see community groups, like these folks, who decide to take upon their hearts to do something special. They take their time, not only just to give but to receive a blessing for it, for doing what they did. It’s a two-way thing. Those who give don’t realize how important it is until after they do it.”
The best way to give to the food bank is at 375 Pope Rd between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Abbott said the need for volunteers around Christmastime is great. They’ll be packing around 400 Christmas hampers and the kettle campaign is in need of volunteers. To volunteer, call the Salvation Army church at 902436-6044.