Image: Supplied by the B.C. RCMP / Chilliwack RCMP, Chilliwack Fire, and Chilliwack Search and Rescue personnel will be out at Save-on-Foods and Safeway in Chilliwack on Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. collecting food for the Emergency Services Food Drive.
Chilliwack first responders

Chilliwack first responders to collect food and funds for Emergency Services Food Drive

Dec 1, 2022 | 9:02 AM

CHILLIWACK — The work of first responders in Chilliwack often overlaps when the community needs them most.

And in this case, first responders in Chilliwack will be prioritizing the needs of local families for the first annual, community-based Emergency Services Food Drive starting this weekend.

The Chilliwack RCMP, the Chilliwack Fire Department and Chilliwack Search and Rescue are teaming up for the first ever community-based Emergency Services Food Drive, according to a news release from the RCMP on Wednesday (Nov. 30).

On Saturday, December 3, 10, and 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., firefighters, police officers and Search and Rescue volunteers will be teaming up with the Salvation Army to raise food and funds for the local food bank. First responders will be stationed outside each of the four Chilliwack Save-On-Foods locations as well as Safeway to accept non-perishable food and monetary donations.

The four Save-on-Foods are located in Garrison, on Promontory Road just east of Vedder, at the Cottonwood Centre Mall, and in downtown Chilliwack on Yale Road.

With a steady increase in food bank clients being reported this year, the need for donations continues to climb, RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk said in the news release. Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and place it in one of our emergency vehicles. Salvation Army kettles and tap machines will be at each location for those wishing to make monetary donations. For those unable to attend any of the Saturday Food Drive events, donations can also be dropped off anytime Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 at Chilliwack Fire Hall No. 1, located at 45950 Cheam Avenue in Chilliwack.

Since 2008, the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment (UFVRD) has annually held the Stuff the Cruiser event throughout the detachment region during the holiday season. The success of this event has become one of the largest food drive contributors in the region.

“This year we are excited to expand the Stuff the Cruiser initiative to include our first responder partners at the Chilliwack Fire Department and Chilliwack Search and Rescue,” said Superintendent Davy Lee, Officer in Charge of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment in Chilliwack. “As first responders, we are coming together to help those in need in our community. We work closely with other first responder agencies to serve and protect our community every day and it only makes sense that we come together now for this amazing community initiative.”

“The Chilliwack Fire Department is looking forward to expanding our annual food drive campaign with our first responder partners,” said Chilliwack Fire Chief Ian Josephson. “For many years our very successful food drive collected food and funds door to door on a scheduled training night. This program change provides a great opportunity for us to work with our first responder partners and further benefit the local food bank.”

“Chilliwack Search and Rescue is pleased to have the opportunity to assist with the annual food drive,” said Frank Van Nynatten of Chilliwack Search and Rescue. “Our team of volunteers has been part of the food drive for many years and appreciates the valuable service that Salvation Army provides. We are thankful to be able to take part in this event and encourage the community to assist those in need.

Donations will be accepted December 3, 10, 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

  • Safeway Sardis, 45610 Luckakuck Way
  • Save-On-Foods, 45585 Luckakuck Way
  • Save-On-Foods, 6014 Vedder Road
  • Save-On-Foods, 46020 Yale Road
  • Save-On-Foods, 45635 Tamihi Way

Along with collecting donations, the event will provide an opportunity for the public to get to know some of its first responders and work together to help spread Christmas cheer.