Red River Valley Food Bank kicks off food drive campaign
The Morris community came together last Thursday evening in the parking lot of Morris Bigway to raise funds for the Red River Valley Food Bank.
While perusing the hot rods and vintage vehicles, families and friends visited, children played “in the rain” courtesy of the Morris Fire Department, and Bigway grilled hot dogs for all to enjoy.
While the Show & Shine car show is a regular weekly event in the store’s parking lot from May through October, every year the organizers choose a cause to support. Past funds have gone to the Morris Area Foundation, local children fighting cancer, and the Willow Park playground.
Last Thursday’s gathering focused on food security. Sweet corn grown and donated by David and Lorraine of Red River Seeds was sold by donation, with proceeds going directly to the Red River Valley Food Bank.
Corn cobs were distributed in bright red reusable bags, with the goal of having the bag returned full of donated non-perishable food for the food bank’s annual food drive next month.
“We need enough food to cover our clients every two weeks,” said explained food drive organizer Sean Conway. “Last year’s food drive came up short. Today’s event is focused on the bag. Feedback from the community was that they didn’t know about the drive, and we want to change that this year.”
The bags have been in production for almost a year. From concept to sponsorship to printing and prepping for the food drive, many hands (and ears) have been involved.
“This is a big thing,” said Conway. “It’s community.”
Six hundred bags are prepped and ready. They’ll be dropped in local mailboxes ahead of Sept. 27, when the Morris Fire Department, 3234 Manitoba Horse St. Pierre Army Cadets, and local volunteers set up at the Emmanuel Baptist Church to gather filled bags left out on front steps.
For many, especially the regular group of “car guys,” the car show is as much a draw as the fundraiser.
Lyle from Altona brings his ’68 Chevelle, a vehicle he’s owned for 49 years.
“The numbers are small, but we are excited to be here. We’ve been around since 2018-2019. Other clubs have been around too long and they lose their excitement.”
Denis Robert of Aubigny pokes fun, saying, “[Cars] are a hobby. It’s better than golfing because it has a lot less swearing.”
Nearby, Richard and Jennifer showed off their 2019 Mustang Bullet. Whereas Richard has loved cars his entire life, Jennifer likes the look the vehicle and ‘being a passenger.’
“She’s still pretty hesitant to drive a stick shift,” laughed Richard.
Ninety ears of corn were picked for the food drive kick-off, raising $1456.47 for the food bank.
