Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay makes the first donation at the 2021 Kiwanis Toy and Food Drive at the Pembroke Mall. Mack Thrasher, fourth from the right.
The annual Pembroke Kiwanis Toy and Food Drive kicks off on November 20th at the Pembroke Mall. This year will be its sixth year and last year it raised $40,000. Over the six years they have been doing this project, they were able to raise around $240,000. This initiative has two purposes, as a service club that is concerned about the well-being of children the first purpose of the project is to provide toys for children who are compromised. The second purpose is to provide support organizations that provide food to families who are in a food-challenged situation.
Mack Thrasher from the Kiwanis Club of Pembroke tells myFM that says that while the program is successful, they are still in need of helpers.
If you were considering volunteering email Tara at Irdmnt5@gmail.com. Thrasher goes into detail with all the organizations that have partnered with them to make sure this project goes smoothly and has enough support from the community.
Another great community support that has been contributing over the last six years is Evan from OK Tire and West End Garage. He donates $500 between his two businesses to the Toy and Food Drive to start things off.
Thrasher wants to remind the community that they don’t take food donations but rather collect money to donate to local food banks. He did state that they will collect food that only has current dates, as the food banks need up-to-date food products.
The Kiwanis Toy and Food Drive will be set up in front of Dollarama in the East end Pembroke Mall from November 20th till December 21st collecting toys and donations. If you have the chance to help support local families and children over the holidays make sure you do so.
(Written by: Emma Butler)