Regina mobilizes to fight hunger
FCC to collect food across the country
Organizers and volunteers for Farm Credit Canada’s Drive Away Hunger tour are consistently surprised by the public’s generosity.
At a Thursday morning presentation, FCC CEO Michael Hoffort went offscript and discussed a man from years ago who used the food bank during an unemployment stretch, who showed his gratitude by making a large food donation during the tour. For the donor, it was a way to show appreciation towards the food bank; for Hoffort, it solidified why he did the charity drive.
The Drive Away Hunger tour is a collaboration between FCC and Food Banks Canada, which sees FCC members driving tractors throughout Regina and across the country, collecting food donations from businesses and schools. FCC wants to raise at least three million pounds in nationwide donations. Last year, the event raised 6.5 million pounds.
The movement started 11 years ago when FCC relationship manager Dale Snider toured southern Ontario for 10 days gathering donations, which inspired FCC to continue the movement in other provinces. Regina did its first tour in 2005.
“(Snider’s tour) gave us an example of what we could do ... It’s been a great opportunity to contribute to our communities and make a difference,” said Hoffort.
Regina Food Bank CEO Steve Compton said the tour is Regina’s largest and most successful fundraising event, comparable even to national drives. He, too, has witnessed food bank users give back. Compton recalls a woman who needed the food bank’s help later returning to volunteer and eventually becoming a food bank employee. The drive has also struck a chord with Regina’s youth. “The future seems to be in good hands when you look at young people across the community getting engaged in helping others,” said Compton.
This is especially true of Riffel High School, which raised 16,000 pounds last year. School chaplain Pat Roth said donations are encouraged through prize draws, and food-raising goals, such as teachers shaving their heads. Although these rewards help motivate students, he said there is a deeper motivation at work.
“We do this because we know we can make a difference, and (students) realize that. It’s a very generous, giving population.”
Roth was particularly surprised by a donation from student Ty Link, who brought in 571 pounds of food this year. Additionally, three students from two years ago brought in 1,200 pounds of food between them.
While Compton is impressed by Regina’s donation efforts, he’s careful to remember one crucial lesson he learned from seeing a well-dressed, unemployed food bank user who could no longer provide for his family.
“I think my turning point for it was a better understanding that it can affect anybody at anytime,” he said.
“I f you follow that thought, that many people are only a few paydays away from being in difficult circumstances, it could affect all of us at any time.”