I stepped into Fire Station 1 on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by a row of empty shopping carts that will soon hold the generous donations of Chilliwack residents. For firefighter Mark Janzen, the annual Fall Food Drive isn’t just another community event – it’s a 20-year tradition that connects emergency responders with the neighborhoods they serve.
“People don’t realize how many families in Chilliwack struggle with food security,” Janzen told me as firefighters prepared collection bags that will be distributed throughout the community this week. “When we started this two decades ago, we hoped to collect a few thousand pounds. Last year, we brought in over 30,000 pounds of food for the Salvation Army Food Bank.”
The system works through remarkable simplicity and community coordination. Between October 10-14, residents will receive yellow collection bags delivered to their doorsteps by off-duty firefighters and volunteers. Households can fill these bags with non-perishable food items, then place them on their doorsteps for collection day – Monday, October 16 between 5:30 and 9:00 p.m.
Fire Chief Ian Josephson explains that the timing is crucial. “Fall is when food bank supplies often dip critically low, just before the holiday season when need increases. Our goal is to fill that gap.”
The initiative brings together both career and paid-on-call firefighters from Chilliwack’s six fire halls. Last year’s effort involved more than 75 firefighters and 40 community volunteers who covered routes throughout Chilliwack neighborhoods, collecting donations from thousands of households.
Sally Ann Drysdale, coordinator at the Salvation Army Food Bank, shared sobering statistics. “We’re serving approximately 800 families each month in Chilliwack, up nearly 25 percent from last year,” Drysdale said. “The firefighters’ food drive typically stocks our shelves for almost three months during a critical time of year.”
For residents who might miss the collection, drop-off bins will be available at all Chilliwack fire halls from October 10-16. Fire Hall 1 on Cleveland Avenue will serve as the central collection point, where food will be sorted and delivered to the Salvation Army.
Captain Ryan Ashley, who coordinates volunteer scheduling for the event, notes how the food drive creates unique connections between firefighters and the community. “When we’re usually responding to emergencies, interactions are brief and often during someone’s worst moments. The food drive lets us engage with our community in a positive way.”
The most needed items include canned proteins like tuna and salmon, peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned vegetables, and baby formula. Monetary donations are also accepted, with every dollar helping the food bank purchase approximately $3 worth of food through their bulk buying programs.
What’s remarkable about Chilliwack’s drive is the personal touch. Instead of anonymous donation bins, firefighters personally collect from doorsteps, often chatting with residents and answering questions about fire safety.
“Last year I met a woman who told me she once needed the food bank after losing her job,” firefighter Jessica Chen shared. “Now she donates a full bag every year. Those moments remind us why we do this.”
The Chilliwack Fire Department has modified its approach over the years, focusing on environmental considerations by using recyclable collection bags and streamlining routes to reduce fuel consumption. Local businesses have stepped up too, with Save-On-Foods and No Frills providing collection carts and storage space.
Residents living in apartment buildings or who will be away during collection day can drop donations at any Chilliwack fire hall or arrange pickup by calling the fire department’s non-emergency line.
For Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove, who stopped by the kickoff event, the food drive exemplifies community spirit. “Our firefighters already give so much to this community through their regular duties. To see them volunteer additional time to ensure families don’t go hungry shows the true character of our emergency services.”
As I watched firefighters load yellow bags into their personal vehicles, ready to begin distribution throughout neighborhoods, it was clear this wasn’t just a charity event but a community tradition that strengthens connections between those who serve and those they protect.
The Fall Food Drive stands as a reminder that emergency responders care for their communities in ways that extend far beyond the emergencies they’re called to address – sometimes it’s about ensuring everyone has enough to eat.
For donation information or to volunteer, residents can contact the Chilliwack Fire Department at their non-emergency number or visit their website for complete details.
