This year's 'Big Give" food drive in aid of the food banks run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Mary Queen of the World Church and St. Peter's Church was the best one yet, according to those who witnessed it.
The event is organized every year by the coaches, families and players of the Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Association. This year members of the Scouts, Youth Bowling, Mount Pearl Basketball, Marlins Swim team, the Kinsmen, Lions Club, the skating club, Pearlgate Track & Field and the Men's Rec Hockey Association participated in the drive.
"So it was a much broader effort and I think that may have contributed to the outpouring of literally tonnes of food that was received," noted Deputy Mayor Jim Locke.
In St. Peter's Parish alone, some 33,000 pieces of food, weighing over 11 tonnes, was collected, along with $5,900 in cash. "It's just another fine example of how the residents of Mount Pearl and the broader area come together and help out people in need," said Locke.
Councillor Lucy Stoyles, who helped at one of the food banks sorting the donations that came in, agreed. "They just couldn't believe it," Stoyles said of the food bank volunteers. "It just kept coming and coming. We were even up there on Monday sorting out the food for several hours." On Dec. 8 the Mount Pearl Kinette Club will add further to the food banks cache by holding a turkey drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sobey's in Mount Pearl. Last year, some 150 turkeys were donated. Stoyles said this year the goal is 200.
