Six years ago, it came up during COVID.
More people were using the Dauphin & District Food Bank, so the Dauphin RCMP and Dauphin Fire Department joined forces to help stock the shelves. Six years later, it's running stronger than ever.
The Cram the Cruiser and Pack the Pumper Food Drive is back in Dauphin. For those interested in donating non-perishable food items, you can drop them off Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 5:00 at the Fire Department. You can also call 622-3100 during those hours, and one of their firefighters will come pick up the items.
You can also drop donations off at the RCMP Detachment in Dauphin.
"It's carried on from there, it's a bit of a fun challenge between the RCMP and the Fire Department," said Cam Abrey, fire chief. "It's more for the bragging rights about who can raise the heaviest amount of goods for donation. At the end of the day, there is one winner here, and it's the Dauphin & District Food Bank."
The Fire Department and the RCMP will be at Credit Union Place on Tuesday as the Kings welcome the Northern Manitoba Blizzard. They'll be collecting donations and thanking you for your generous support.
Some of the Food Bank's most needed items include dry cereal, oatmeal, pasta, pasta sauce, canned baked beans, canned meats, canned fish, canned fruit, mac and cheese, tea, coffee, soup, crackers and canned vegetables.
The Food Drive runs through December 15, and the official weigh-in to determine a champion will be on December 16.
If you don't have any non-perishable items to donate, Abrey says you can make a monetary donation.
"That's always an option if anyone wants," ended Abrey. "The money collected is used for the items on their intake days. If you want to write a cheque, make it out to the Dauphin Food Bank."
The Cram the Cruiser and Pack the Pumper Food Drive in support of the Dauphin & District Food Bank is back.
