Local cab company comes through for Coach4Food

Local businessman John Strang, with a little help from his friends, has put Tom Hedican's Coach4Food fundraiser on the brink of breaking last year's record haul.

With one day remaining, Strang donated the money he earned from driving several shifts for the the taxi company he owns, U-Need-A-Cab, which added up to 3,000 more pounds for Hedican's fundraiser for the North Bay Food Bank. Also donating cash to Strang's efforts were real estate agent Scott Carr (750 pounds), the North Bay Police Association (150 pounds), Sunrise Helicopters (135 pounds) Scotia Bank on Main Street (78 pounds) and Peter Gregory Productions (750 pounds).

All tolled, that puts Hedican and his staff just 837 pounds shy of last year's record, with this year's total now at 75,482 pounds for the food bank.

"Obviously, we are close, and we have one more day to add to the total," said Hedican. "We have one more practice to add for this year, plus some sponsorship, so things are looking good."

Coach4Food, whereby Hedican puts local hockey and ringette teams through a series of European professional and NHL skill drills, was inspired by rock star Bruce Springsteen's work with food banks in Canada and the United States. The practices will continue until Dec. 23 when the grand total will be announced. Last year was a record year for Hedican's fundraiser, bringing in 76,319 pounds of food and monetary donations.

Submitted to BayToday.ca