Today was the Kick-Off event for the annual Rotary Food Bank Drive. 

The Kick-Off event was originally designed to bring awareness, through the media, to the Food Drive. It has evolved over time to where it has also become a fund raiser to help supply much needed cash to purchase fresh food and items not received in the Food Drive itself.

Last year the Kick-off event brought in almost $15,000 and brought awareness to the Food Drive to fill our much needed volunteer list of over 800 people and to bring in a record 52 tons of food.

The activity, called the "The Game of Life" is designed to bring attention to the challenges many people face that could result in them requiring the services of a Food Bank. Although somewhat both physically and mentally challenging, it's really all about having fun while raising much needed funds and bringing awareness.

Each team has a sponsor who will have donated $300 to the cause.

The annual Food Drive takes place this coming Tuesday, September 17th, and volunteers are still needed. Captain Peter Kim of the Salvation Army shared today that volunteer teams are still needed. They have 140 routes, with 80 teams created so far. 

He added, "Unfortunately, we still have to do this every year. We do have a lot of families, a lot of individuals, a lot of seniors and a lot of children who go without food. And we almost give out 12 to 15 hampers per day to help families." 

Last year, the Salvation Army gave out 5000 hampers, including Christimas, of food and toys for families and individuals in need. About 30, 000 meals were provided for the hungry. This is thanks to the generosity of the community providing food and financially. 

If you would like to create a team and help out with this year's food drive, visit gpfooddrive.ca.