Annual CUPE drive helps food bank

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY—CUPE 798 vice-president Jenn Bjornson [left] and president Danielle Craigen, seen preparing for Christmas in July food drive on July 19. Union members will be cooking up hot dogs and collecting food items at Quality Foods.

POWELL RIVER—Now in its third year, CUPE 798’s “Christmas in July” food drive is becoming something of a local tradition.

“We’re proud to have raised money and collected food items for the food bank,” CUPE 798 president Danielle Craigen told the Powell River Peak.

“We like to bring awareness to give all year, because most people and organizations tend to focus on donating food around Christmas.”

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, a barbecue will be held outside Quality Foods and everyone can enjoy hot dogs and drinks, while donating cash and food items for the food bank.

CUPE Local 798 has more than 200 members and supports workers employed by the City of Powell River, Powell River Regional District and Powell River Public Library. With all the CUPE locals put together, the union has 600 members in town.

For more on the food drive, read the full story in the Powell River Peak.

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