Update: Emergency personnel unite for food drive

The fifth annual Emergency Services Food Drive in Lumby produced some impressive results for the local food bank.

RCMP officers, along with firefighters, ambulance paramedics and others volunteered their time Tuesday evening to collect over 6,000 pounds of food items along with $2,500 in cash.

Over 6,000 lbs and $2,500 collected during the Lumby & Dist. Emergency Services food drive. Thank you to the community of #Lumby! #ThisIsWhatWeDo #ThisIsWhoWeAre #ThisIsWhereWeWork @BCRCMP pic.twitter.com/sBBL0pDvzc

— Vernon North Okanagan RCMP (@VernonNOkRCMP) October 2, 2019

It’s estimated the food drive will keep the food bank stocked for over 6 months.

The North Okanagan RCMP, Lumby and District Fire Department, Lavington Fire Department, Vernon Search and Rescue, BC Ambulance Service, CVSE, CP/CN Police, the Village of Lumby, alongside volunteers and members’ families took part in the drive.

“This program is now in its fifth year in Lumby and Lavington, and each year, the support from the community grows,” said Const. Gary McLaughlin, RCMP and organizer of the annual food drive. “As someone who grew up relying on food banks, I know how important this service is to families, and I’m thrilled to have such a positive reaction from the community, and selfless collaboration from so many emergency services.”

The drive has become the largest single event supporting the Lumby food bank. With the contributions from Tuesday, the program has raised 31,000 pounds of food and $12,500 for the Lumby food bank.

“We could not do this without the generosity of people in our area,” said Tony Clayton, Chief of the Lumby and District Fire Department. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every resident we spoke with and every person that donated food or money. This will directly help out your neighbours and your community.”

Original story

Lumby residents could hear sirens and see emergency vehicles with their lights on Tuesday afternoon.

But it will be for a community event, rather than an emergency.

The Lumby and District Food Drive will start at 5 p.m. Oct. 1.

Fire, police, ambulance and highway personnel are donating their time and energy to gather non-perishable food donations to help feed the community, an event organized by RCMP Const. Gary McLaughlin.

“The crews from Lavington and Lumby fire departments, paramedics, highways, and Lumby RCMP will be going door to door collecting your donations for the Lumby food bank. If you’re not home, please leave them at the end of the driveway so they can be picked up,” said a release from organizers.

Volunteers are also needed to help sort the food.