(Photo: mayorcrombie.ca)
Mississaugans have opened their hearts and cupboards for the community.
“The food bank saw a significant increase in donations this Thanksgiving,” said executive director of the Mississauga Food Bank Chris Hatch.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity the community has shown their hungry neighbours…”
The results from Mayor Bonnie Crombie’s city-wide food drive challenge were released last weekend.
Residents in 11 wards competed to see who could donate the most, raising 148,900 pounds of food and and $82,917 – enough for 207,293 meals.
Donations were collected at fire halls over three and a half weeks with a target of 80,000 pounds of food and $80,000.
Ward 6, led by Coun. Ron Starr, won bragging rights for generosity.
Fire Chief Tim Beckett said he was thrilled to see residents respond “with such enthusiasm.”
More than 112,000 residents live below the poverty line.
The food bank serves 13,000 residents monthly and the average user is 46-years-old.
-Kelly Roche
qewsouthpost.com 