It has been a year like no other. Businesses and employees throughout the Forest City have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. And while social distancing and work-from-home protocols may have changed how the Business Cares Food Drive was run, what didn’t change is the willingness of Londoners to answer the call and support the London Food Bank.
The 2020 Food Drive, the 21st iteration of the campaign, concluded yesterday with its day of giving. In total, the campaign collected 597,123 pounds worth of food -- an increase of 34 per cent over last year’s record total. All donations go to support the London Food Bank and the over 25 organizations it supports.
“We started this campaign with a lot of unknowns,” explained campaign chair Wayne Dunn. “We didn’t know how we were going to run certain events with social distancing, we didn’t know if certain organizations were going to be able to participate, and, as a result, we intentionally didn’t set a goal for the campaign this year.
“One thing we did know, however, is that London businesses and employees always answer the call when people are in need.”
The campaign enjoyed incredible momentum right from the start -- or even before the start, in some cases. The London Chamber of Commerce gave a generous donation to the cause prior to kickoff. And this year’s Grocery Store weekend was the most successful one yet. The campaign also enjoyed incredible support from long-time participants including, but not limited to the London Home Builders’ Association, the London & District Construction Association, and the Golfers’ Care initiative.
"Every year, I tell the team that we’re thrilled with anything that we receive and this year that sentiment took on added resonance,” explained Jane Roy, co-director of the London Food Bank. “We’ve seen first-hand the impact that the pandemic has had on Londoners. More people are using our services and that’s only going to continue.
“It’s at times like these where we see how strong of a community we have. We’re honoured and humbled by the support and Londoners’ donations are going to have a huge impact on so many people’s lives.”