Buffet des Continents food drive collects 45,000 pounds of food
More than 7,050 people ate for free on Monday, December 3, across the nine Buffet des Continents restaurants in Quebec. The free meal came as a part of the buffet’s annual food drive, where a meal is given in exchange for five non-perishable food items. The nine locations were able to collect nearly 45,000 pounds of food and $7,450 for families and individuals in need during the holiday season.
For the 15th edition of this charity collection, thousands of people gave generously, as did the staff and management of the Buffet des Continents restaurants. All profits are donated to duly recognized organizations that distribute food and money to those in need.
At the Sherbrooke restaurant, some 850 people ate for free after bringing 7,716 pounds of non-perishable food and $300 for the Fondation Rock-guertin, which distributes it.
The non-perishable food drive is a well-established tradition for the restaurant chain's staff and management, as well as for the loyal customers of the nine restaurants Le Buffet des Continents in as many regions of Quebec.
"Every little thing counts to help those in need. Together, we mobilize our staff and our community in the hope of building a better society every day," said Sonia Bergeron, spokesperson for the restaurant chain.
Buffet des Continents ensures that food items are distributed to families and individuals in need through agreements with duly recognized organizations such as Moisson Québec, Les Artisans de la paix, the Rock-guertin Foundation, Moisson Outaouais, Le Relais, Comptoir alimentaire Drummond, Moisson Laurentides and Moisson Rivesud.
The chain’s 900 employees also personally contribute to the cause, since most of them volunteer their services for the food drive.
Over the last 15 years, the Buffet des Continents restaurants have served free meals to more than 91,050 people who gave more than 469,968 pounds of food to families and individuals in need.
"Thank you to all our customers and staff for their generosity during the upcoming holiday season, which we want to be festive and happy for everyone,” Bergeron concluded.