Melanie Law
Observer Reporter
Quesnel’s three business associations are going head to head again this year to see who can bring in the most non-perishable food items for those in need.
The West Quesnel Business Association (WQBA), South Quesnel Business Association (SQBA) and Quesnel Downtown Association (QDA) hold a friendly competition each year to see which association can bring in the most food bank donations.
In the past, they have all donated to the Salvation Army and Good Cheer, but this year, each association has chosen a charity to which to donate items. The WQBA will be donating to Better at Home, a local organization benefiting seniors; the SQBA to Amata House, a not-for-profit benefiting women and children; and the QDA to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
Food drive boxes will be located prominently in businesses around Quesnel for locals to drop off non-perishable goods. Choose your favourite business association and make your donation to help them win bragging rights for the year. The business associations will collect donations on Dec. 16 for the annual weigh-in, and the winner will be announced at the Salvation Army’s Warrior’s Song Cafe on McLean Street on Dec. 20.
The SQBA won the competition five years in a row, but its streak was broken last year when the WQBA brought in 1,460 kg of non-perishable donations, winning the coveted Pineapple Tin Trophy (a jumbo-sized pineapple tin mounted on a piece of wood). This artful piece was displayed in West Park Mall for the year and has recently been handed back in to the Salvation Army, ready to be awarded after this year’s weigh-in.
The competition is in its seventh year, and WQBA’s Laurey-Anne Roodenburg says it’s an enjoyable way to increase donations and get in the giving spirit.
“It’s funny how a goofy little trophy can bring out the competitive spirit,” she jokes.
READ MORE: Quesnel’s Salvation Army Christmas Campaign aims to raise $40,000
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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