DUNCAN, B.C. – 49th Parallel Grocery Stores and Island Savings recently joined forces to raise greatly needed funds for local food banks. Donations were collected at all four 49th Parallel locations—Chemainus, Duncan, Ladysmith and Cedar— with the organization matching donations up to $10,000 made though cash or purchasing pre-packaged non-perishable food bags. Island Savings chipped in by donating four BBQs, valued at over $5,000, which were used as the grand prizes in each community.
The following amounts were raised in each community:
- Chemainus= $17,017.17
- Ladysmith= $13,987.45
- Cedar= $6,357.20
- Duncan= $3,422.65
“It’s wonderful to see our communities coming together during this time of need”, says 49th Parallel Chemainus Store Manager, Paul McGregor. “Originally, we were only going to hold the fundraiser at our Chemainus location and after word spread, all of our locations came on board, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
The funds will go directly to the four community’s food banks through Island Savings’ signature cause, The Full Cupboard, an innovative community program designed to raise food, funds and awareness for food banks in the communities where Island Savings operates. To learn more about The Full Cupboard or donate, visit the Food Banks BC website.