It's amazing what people can do when they work together.
Mayor Jim Watson expressed this sentiment as OC Transpo employees and volunteers collected more than 90,400 non-perishable food items and more than $24,000 in cash and food vouchers on Dec. 4.
Santa Claus and city councillors were on hand for the Food Drive launch on Dec. 3, loading a decked-out bus with goods for families in need.
“The generosity of our communities defines us as a city," said Watson. "Thanks to our OC Transpo colleagues, Food Drive partners and wonderful volunteers, it is another way we can extend a helping hand to those who need it most.”
The annual OC Transpo Food Drive and is a joint effort between OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa and Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore and Your Independent Grocer stores.
"Our employees love taking part in this event," said Alan Mercier, general manager of transit services with the city. "It's an opportunity to come together, and do something for people in our community."
The Ottawa Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to 43,000 people every month, 40 percent of whom are children. The Ottawa Food Bank supports more than 140 emergency food programs in the National Capital Region and distributes 12 tonnes of food that leaves the Michael Street warehouse every working day
"The outpouring of community support is wonderful for us," said Peter Tilley, executive director of the Ottawa Food Bank. "This will really make a huge difference in replenishing our stock. We need to keep that push for the rest of the winter, because it's not just December that people use the food bank. The cold January and February months are long for many people who use our services."
