Malakwa, Sicamous and Swansea Point firefighters put their Santa hats on once again for their annual toy and food bank drive.
The fire departments ran their respective drives over the Dec. 3 and 4 weekend, collecting donated toys, food and cash from residents for donation to the local food bank.
Sicamous Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Brett Ogino called it another successful year, with lots of toys, food items and cash donated. The same could be said for the Swansea Point VFD. Fire Chief Dave Schurek said his crew was able to fill a half-ton truck with the toys and food collected in that community, as well as about $120 in cash.
Meanwhile, in Malakwa, Fire Chief Joanne Held’s crew gathered an abundance of toys and food, as well as $2,340 in cash.
“The fire department would like to thank everyone who donated to the Eagle Valley Resource Centre – the volume of support from this small great community is absolutely awesome,” said Held.
The Malakwa VFD also announced winners if its draw, with Mona Re taking the top prize, a turkey hamper. Elizabeth Rook won second prize, a ham hamper. Leanne Cox came in third to win a safety box, and Linda Gardner had the honour of receiving a cake from the fire department.
In addition to giving back to the community, Held says the toy and food drive also serves as a training exercise, in which firefighters have an opportunity to get to know the area, its residents and driveways they might encounter during emergencies.