Nearly double the amount of food was collected at this year’s Cram the Cruiser event Dec. 1 compared to last year, reports Karen Barber, one of the organizers with the Granisle Lions club.
And it was the same for cash donations which this year amounted to $405, she said.
The non-perishable food items will be provided to between 23 and 25 people. The cash donations will be converted into gift cards so people can buy fresh produce or other specific items.
“When we put the call out to our residents for donations they always come through for us,” Barber said.
This is the tenth year the Granise Lions club has been the community organizer for Cram the Cruiser.
The Village of Granisle council continued its practice of providing a donation and this year it amounted to $627.89.
On hand Dec. 1 were paramedics, members of the Lions club, the RCMP and Houston/Granisle Victims Services.
Two Granisle residents, Heather Prisk and Robert Wright, donated $500 worth of groceries this year.
“We, as a community, are extremely grateful for the generosity of our residents when this annual event occurs,” said Mayor Linda McGuire.
“With all communities recognizing the increase in food costs, the Village of Granisle continues to work towards assisting those in our community who face financial challenges.”
Houston RCMP detachment commanding officer Ryan Fillmore also expressed his thanks.
”The Houston RCMP want to thank the Communities of Houston and Granisle for their generosity and support of the Cram the Cruiser events.” he said.