OC Transpo kicks off Annual Christmas Food Drive in partnership with Loblaw Companies Limited

Santa and his helpers made a stop at Loblaws, 1980 Ogilvie Road, Gloucester Centre today as part of the 2015 OC Transpo/Loblaw Annual Christmas Food Drive, which will collect donations of non-perishable food items or cash from residents on Saturday, December 5.

“Every year, not only City employees and their families, but also many thousands of Ottawa residents show their support by donating to this important cause," said Mayor Jim Watson. “This annual Christmas food drive is the oldest and biggest food drive for the Ottawa Food Bank, and helps the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Donations are being accepted on Saturday, December 5 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at 20 participating Loblaws®, Loblaw greatfood®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Your Independent Grocer®, and nofrills® locations across Ottawa.

“The OC Transpo/Loblaw Annual Christmas Food Drive has become a wonderful tradition that is now a hallmark of the season,” said Councillor Stephen Blais, Chair of the Transit Commission. “I encourage Ottawa residents to come out this Saturday to support this worthy cause – I can’t think of a better way to kick-off this holiday season.”

“Each year, we look forward to partnering with OC Transpo and the Ottawa Food Bank on this event as a way of helping put food on the tables of those in our community who need our help the most,” said Alan Lawrie,Store Manager, Gloucester Market, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Now in its 31

st

year, the annual food drive is a partnership between OC Transpo and Loblaw Companies Limited in co-operation with the Ottawa Food Bank. All food and cash donations donated during the food drive will be distributed through the Ottawa Food Bank, the Stittsville Food Bank and the Kanata Food Cupboard.

For more information on the 2015 OC Transpo/Loblaw Annual Christmas Food Drive, please visit octranspo.com .