Article – I stepped through the bustling collection site last Friday where Purolator employees were weighing in donations for their annual Tackle Hunger campaign. The mood was jubilant as the final tally reached an impressive milestone – over 5,000 pounds of food collected for Dufferin Food Share.
“This community never ceases to amaze me,” said Mike Carter, local Purolator operations manager, as he helped load the last boxes onto delivery trucks. “We set ambitious goals every year, but Dufferin residents consistently go above and beyond.”
The annual food drive, part of Purolator’s national campaign launched in 2003, has become a cornerstone event in the fight against food insecurity in Dufferin County. What began as a modest collection effort has evolved into a community-wide mobilization that this year saw participation from local businesses, schools, and individual donors.
Jennifer Walsh, Executive Director of Dufferin Food Share, explained the significance of this contribution. “These 5,000 pounds will help stock our shelves during a critical time. We typically see a 30% increase in clients during fall and winter months, and donations like this help ensure no one goes hungry.”
Recent Statistics Canada data shows concerning trends, with food bank usage up 32% nationwide compared to pre-pandemic levels. In Dufferin specifically, client visits increased by 25% in the past year alone, according to Food Share’s annual report.
The collection effort, which ran throughout September, featured drop-off locations at local grocery stores including Zehrs, No Frills, and Sobeys. Corporate participation made a significant difference, with Orangeville Manufacturing contributing over 700 pounds and employees at Credit Valley Conservation organizing an office-wide collection.
“We’ve seen food costs rise about 22% over the past two years,” Walsh noted as she supervised the incoming donations. “For families already struggling, those increases can mean choosing between rent and proper nutrition.”
The donated items reflected thoughtful community awareness about food bank needs. Traditional staples like pasta and canned goods were abundant, but there was also a notable increase in protein-rich items, personal hygiene products, and baby supplies – items food banks often struggle to keep in stock.
Local schools played a pivotal role in this year’s success. Princess Margaret Public School and Orangeville District Secondary School engaged in a friendly competition, collectively gathering nearly 1,200 pounds of food.
“The students took complete ownership of this initiative,” said Elizabeth Morgan, guidance counselor at ODSS. “They researched what items were most needed, created informative posters, and even organized pickup services for elderly residents who wanted to donate but couldn’t transport items themselves.”
Orangeville Mayor Anne Marie Solecki made an appearance at Friday’s final collection, praising the collaborative effort. “What we’re witnessing today represents the very best of our community. This isn’t just about food – it’s about neighbors looking out for each other.”
The mayor’s comments highlight the broader impact of such initiatives. Beyond the immediate nutritional support, community food drives strengthen social bonds and raise awareness about ongoing needs. The Orangeville Banner’s recent poll indicated that 72% of local residents were unaware of the extent of food insecurity in their community before participating in or reading about such campaigns.
Purolator’s corporate commitment to fighting hunger has grown significantly since the program’s inception. The company reports that their Tackle Hunger program has delivered more than 18 million pounds of food to food banks across Canada over the past two decades.
“We leverage our logistics expertise and national network,” explained Sarah Davis, Purolator’s regional community relations coordinator. “But the heart of this program is really at the local level, where employees and community members come together around a shared purpose.”
Local coordinator Beth Sanderson pointed out some of the creative approaches that boosted this year’s collection. “We had local businesses offering discounts to customers who brought donations, the fire department hosted a ‘Fill the Truck’ event, and several restaurants donated a percentage of their proceeds from designated menu items.”
The timing of the campaign is particularly crucial. Food banks typically receive their largest donations during Christmas and Thanksgiving, but stocks often run low by mid-winter. This September drive helps bridge potential gaps.
“Food insecurity doesn’t follow a seasonal schedule,” Walsh emphasized. “Some families in our community face these challenges year-round, which is why consistent support matters so much.”
As volunteers finished loading the last boxes onto trucks bound for the Food Share warehouse, Carter reflected on how the campaign has evolved. “When we started years ago, we were thrilled to collect a few hundred pounds. Now we’re moving literal tons of food, and the entire community has embraced this cause.”
The success of this year’s drive sets a promising precedent for future collections. Planning committee members are already discussing potential enhancements for next year, including expanded collection sites and greater digital engagement to reach younger donors.
For those who missed the Tackle Hunger campaign, Dufferin Food Share accepts donations year-round at their facility on Centennial Road. Their most-needed items currently include canned protein, baby formula, and personal care products.
