Pemberton RCMP and Stl’atl’imx Police Service partnered up to give back to the community in their "Stuff a Cruiser" holiday food and toy drive.
On Monday, Dec. 16, officers from both branches were posted at 7433 Prospect Street in Pemberton to fill up as many police cruisers as possible with non-perishable food items and new toys.
“Pemberton RCMP and Stl’atl’imx Police service received enough food and toy donations to fill two police vehicles which were dropped off at the Pemberton Food Bank last night,” said Sgt. James Gilmour, Pemberton RCMP detachment operations commander.
“This was a great community response.”
The fundraiser comes as local food banks are struggling to manage increased demand. The pressures of inflation and rising housing costs have driven record-breaking numbers of visits to local food banks across the country, according to a November study by Food Banks Canada.
Last month, the Pemberton Food Bank reported having empty shelves at the end of the day, while the Lil’wat Nation reports donations are down compared to this time last year, at the same time demand for their Christmas hamper program is up.
"We are aware of how difficult this time of year can be for some individuals, and we want to do our part to support the Food Bank in their efforts to assist individuals in our community over the holiday season," said Gilmour in a statement.
If you were unable to attend Stuff a Cruiser on Dec. 16, the RCMP suggests contributing by making cash donations directly to the Pemberton Food Bank and by bringing food and toy donations to the detachment's front counter at 7413 Prospect Street, Pemberton, during business hours.
For more information on how to support the Pemberton Food Bank, head to sscs.ca/pemberton-food-bank.
