The men and women in blue came through again for Niagara’s food banks.
Constable Jay McCarthy, NRPS food drive coordinator, said that over 11,600 pounds of food and $10,100 in cash and gift cards were collected during the four-day campaign last week, organized by the NRPS’ Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit.
A dozen regional grocery stores in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Beamsville, Grimsby, Pelham, Welland, and Smithville took part in the food drive.
Nine food banks throughout Niagara are the beneficiaries of the bounty.
Police officers at Food Basics, located at 130 Hwy 20 East in Fonthill, brought in almost 1,000 pounds of food and cereal, plus $840 in cash for Pelham Cares.
Over the past three years, a total of 53,680 pounds of food have been donated, along with $35,667 in cash and gift cards.
“The 2023 NRPS Spring Food Drive was once again extremely successful,” said McCarthy. “This event is an opportunity for everyone to come together as community partners to help those in need, and for all of us to provide food and monetary donations to assist less fortunate members of the Niagara region. The results over the past three years have been simply amazing, and the outpouring of support speaks volumes about the caring communities in which we live. Like all our officers, I am proud to live and work here in Niagara, and want to thank everyone who contributed food and monetary donations.”
McCarthy said that the success of this annual event would not be possible without the teamwork from the entire community.
It’s not too late to contribute. Donations of food, cash, and gift cards may be arranged through McCarthy at [email protected]
