A friendly competition in North Grenville aims to fill the shelves of a local food bank. The North Grenville Fire Service and Grenville County detachment of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are competing to see which department can collect the most items for the 10th annual Community Living North Grenville food drive.
Kaitlyn Utman, CLNG direct support professional, explained that the food drive started 10 years ago as a “fun” way to “give back to our community.”
“But it has really grown into something greater,” she added. “We have a bunch of community partners who have joined in.”
The competition serves to up the stakes, noted Utman, and bring in even more food for the Salvation Army in Kemptville.
“Basically, the winner takes home the trophy, and the losers get a pie in the face,” she said.
The food drive started in May, in celebration of Community Living month, and runs until June 14. Donations can be dropped off at the CLNG offices (2830 County Rd. 43), Kemptville OPP station (236 County Rd. 44) or Kemptville fire station (259 County Rd. 44).
Utman highlighted that the Salvation Army food bank is facing an even higher demand than in previous years due to the increasing cost of living: “They need us more now than ever.”
“We like to give back to our community who has done so much for us,” she added.
Const. Dave Holmes said OPP strives for proactive engagement in the community.
“And this is just one of the events that we like to be a part of because I think it raises awareness for the need of food donations and other donations in the community,” he continued. “When it goes to the Salvation Army, it’s such an important resource in our community, and I think any support they can get from anybody is greatly appreciated.”
Cale Rowan, fire prevention and protection captain, echoed his sentiments: “We like to work with our partners and raise awareness and food and anything that could help with the community.”
When asked who is going to win the competition this year, Holmes responded that “it’s going to be us again,” while Rowan stressed that “we’d like to take the trophy home this year, from the OPP.”