The 18 Wheels of Christmas annual food drive began in 2002 as a way for the transportation industry to give back to the communities that they work and live in. A way of helping out everyday people that are in trouble or having difficulties, by ensuring that their families have good nutritious food all throughout the year.  

Sheila Hollier, Rosenau Transport LTD says, "We wanted to be able to help our community, every community that we work in, and that we live in. Things happen to people, and we see the people that struggle sometimes".  

The 18 Wheels of Christmas food drive takes place all across western Canada, including Dawson Creek, and Fort St. John. The beautifully decorated 53 foot trailer will be lit up and located in the Superstore parking lot in Grande Prairie on December 5th and 6th from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. 

Team members and volunteers will be there ready and excited to receive your non-perishable food donations. They will have a table this year so that people can put their items onto the table and then they will load the trailer. Last year, the trailer was 3/4 full, and had a total of $806.00 cash donations. 

Any food collected in Grande Prairie stays right here in the community, it doesn't ever leave here. Following the food drive, items will be distributed between The Salvation Army and all the food banks in the area. Hollier says, they're basically looking for canned goods, dry goods, anything boxed or that has a shelf life. Baby items are always in demand, things like diapers, formula, wipes, jarred baby food, or boxed snack items. 

Hollier said “It's even more important this year that we do this and that's why our team has decided to go ahead and put the fundraiser on” 

Businesses or volunteer groups can request a donation box by calling (780) 814-7447. The box will be delivered to them, and picked up after it's full.