Prince George, B.C. -  Two Credit Unions in Prince George are going head to head to raise  food  and  funds for  the  Salvation Army.

 

“We heard the plea from the Salvation Army last year at this time”, states Crystal Knudsen, Supervisor of the Hart Branch of Spruce Credit Union. “I contacted my friends at Integris, issued a challenge which they immediately accepted and the Credit Union Food Drive was born”, says Knudsen. 

 

2009’s Food Drive resulted in almost 5000 food items and approximately $1000 donated to the Salvation Army during the 2 week period.

 

“Prince George Credit Unions had a huge impact in 2009 with our Summer Food Drive Challenge”, states Dan Wingham, Communications Officer with Integris Credit Union. “This year, our challenge is not between the Credit Unions but out to residents and businesses in our community. Integris and Spruce have made an initial donation of $2000 to kick-off the Food Drive”, adds Wingham.

 

This year,  the Salvation Army is  seeing an increased need,  with a  39% increase in  demand  for food hampers, an 81% increase in Daily Bread & Produce and a 95% increase in the nyumber of meals served compared to the  same period last year.

 

The Salvation Army has been averaging 18 Food Hampers per day at a cost of $75 per hamper. A food hamper will feed a family of 4 for 5 days.  The  goal for the Food Drive is to raise $20,000 in food and cash donations.

 

The Food Drive runs until June 11, 2010. 

 

Donations to the Salvation Army can be made at any Spruce or Integris branch. Additionally, people have the option to buy groceries and leave them at Save On Foods, drop off at the credit unions or take directly to the Salvation Army at 777 Ospika Boulevard.