Cram the Van is inside the Lake Country Co-op Food Store at Cornerstone until 10 p.m. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

Food Bank Initiative

Lake Country Co-op holds Cram the Van food drive

Nov 29, 2019 | 4:09 PM

Staff members at the Lake Country Co-op Food Store are busy collecting items today for the Prince Albert Food Bank.

Christmas Cram the Van is a food drive in Prince Albert asking for anyone to donate non-perishable food items. All the food donations will go to the Prince Albert Food Bank to help fill their shelves.

Marketing Director for Lake Country Co-op, Jill Dumansky said they are also giving away a 60-second shopping spree to someone who donates.

“For Christmas time especially over the holiday season, Lake Country Co-op wants to give back and we know the food bank always is in need of food around this time,” Dumansky said. “We thought why not do Cram the Van and get donations for the busy December season.”

This is the first year they have put on the initiative.

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“Why not make it a big bang and get everyone on board to support the food bank?” she added.

Dumansky told paNOW they are doing well so far today but are always looking for more donations.

“It’s early in the morning but people are so happy just to donate and with that extra incentive of getting a Christmas shopping spree is super awesome,” she said.

They did the same event in La Ronge yesterday for the Lac La Ronge Food Bank and Dumansky said it was a success.

“We raised so many piles of food and we donated it last night and they were extremely happy,” she said.

She said they aren’t holding any expectations for the event because even one can of food will help someone in need.

“We know our customers and members are always so good and they are always supportive of our community initiatives,” she added.

Kerry Ramsdell, operations manager for the food bank, said it’s wonderful to receive so many donations.

“Right now there’s more of a need than what we can give out,” she said. “Christmas time I find is the time for giving and we do see a lot of it which is great.”

Ramsdell added they usually have more people coming in this time of year and the fundraiser will be helpful.

“It means more in the hamper and more to put on the table,” she said.

They event will continue until 10 p.m. and they’re also accepting cash donations.

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Ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12