Three-year-old Hudson Ransom, is grinning from ear to ear as he proudly sits in the driver's seat of a North Bay firetruck holding tight to the steering wheel.
His mom and younger sibling were at Parker’s Your Independent Grocer, supporting the Fill A Firetruck event for the North Bay Food Bank.
“We try and contribute something for the food bank every time we come, but definitely today we will be helping to fill the fire truck. Throughout the year we try and do birthday cakes, so every child has a cake for their birthday. And I usually allow my son to pick out the cake so it can go towards a child,” said his mom.
Siobhan Cheng and her little ones, Taia and Tyus enjoyed the opportunity to see the fire truck up close, while helping out the food bank.
“I know the food bank supports so many families in the community, and any little bit I can do to help, I know will go a long way. It feels good to know I’m helping an organization like this.”
Donors helped fill the firetruck numerous times over the day.
“We are literally filling a fire truck. We’re also collecting cash donations, and in addition to non-perishable food items, we’ve been receiving personal hygiene items as well, which the food bank also needs. The community never ceases to amaze me just how generous it is,” remarked Sheri Korn Captain Fire Prevention.
The annual food drive also provided firefighters with the opportunity to share fire safety tips with the community, which is especially important at this time of year when people start to heat up their homes, cottages or garages to combat the cold weather.
Firefighters received additional help from city employees unable to attend the event.
“This year when I sent the information out to all city employees that we going to be here, they asked if they could set up some blue boxes at city hall as well. So I will be picking those up on Monday,” said Korn.
The final count Friday morning revealed the event managed to collect 1,053 pounds of food, and $1,581 in cash, along with $50 in gift cards.
Foodbank manager Amber Livingstone thanked the volunteers and the community for its support.
The food bank is entering its busiest season for food drives.
