The countdown to the Canadian Finals Rodeo started yesterday with the start of a cowboy-themed food drive.
The Derrick Dodge Round Up for Hunger debuted yesterday with the goal of collecting 30,000 kilograms of food before Nov. 15.
To profit the Edmonton Food Bank, Sobeys, the Chamber of Commerce, Northlands and Derrick Dodge have come together to sponsor the event.
“One of the reasons that we have the cowboy theme is because we are tying it to CFR,” said Chamber of Commerce representative Liz Tweddle.
“CFR is one of the most important events to the city economically … To tie this together during a time of high profile is how we can bring the most attention to the need.”
Trying economic times has made the demand for the food bank particularly great, with 15,000 Edmontonians relying on food hampers every month.
“(This year) has been challenging for the food bank,” said Marjorie Bencz, the executive director of Edmonton’s Food Bank.
“While the Edmonton economy may be stronger than other parts of Canada we have seen people turning to the food bank that are waiting for EI, who have had their hours cut, those kind of situations. It has been really draining for us as an organization.”
Donations for the campaign can be made at Sobeys’ branches and throughout Farmfair International, Heritage Ranch Rodeo and the CFR, all hosted at Northlands.
