98.9 Jet FM’s Stuff the Truck Fundraiser is returning for another year to benefit the Comox Valley Food Bank, who say there is even more need this year.
According to food bank deputy executive director Justin Lafortune, they are seeing a wider demographic accessing their services as the cost-of-living increases.
“We’re definitely seeing a rise in students accessing the Comox Valley Food Bank and accessing its services,” said Lafortune.
“Some concerning statistics would definitely include key income earning age people having to access the food bank, dual-income families, and those demographics are rapidly growing which is a little bit alarming.”
Lafortune adds the key income earners are between the ages of 30 to 55-years-old.
He adds the food bank has been fortunate to have a generous community to help them stay ahead of the curve, including Stuff the Truck. Lafortune says it is their biggest driver and over $86,000 in food, cash and necessities was raised last year.
“These are unforecastable times, of course we’re always exhausting different community and government grants,” said LaFortune. “Stuff the Truck is our major driver of the year, and we would like to see that get well above $100,000.”
The Corporate Pallet Challenge is one way for the fundraiser to get to that goal. The food bank provides a list of “most used” items to Thrifty Foods, who then compile them onto a pallet weighing about 1,000 lbs.
Businesses, local organizations and private donors are invited to buy one or more pallets at a cost of $500 each. Lafortune asks others to remember that despite the community being generous, there are still many in need.
“Think of those people that may be having a hard time this year and what a difference it can make to make those donations whether it be hamper goods or monetary,” he said.
Lafortune adds you can also visit their website to see what they’re most in need of.
Jet FM will be on location between Dec. 4 and Dec. 8 at the following locations:
- Monday, Dec. 4 – Thrifty Foods, Cliffe Avenue Courtenay
- Tuesday, Dec. 5 – Courtenay Fire Hall
- Wednesday, Dec. 6 – Cumberland Fire Hall
- Thursday, Dec. 7 – Comox Fire Hall
- Friday, Dec. 8 – Thrifty Foods, Cliffe Avenue Courtenay
Donations are tax deductible, and receipts will be provided after the event.
