Santa kicks off 30th annual OC Transpo Christmas Food Drive in partnership with Loblaw Companies Limited

Santa made a stop at Loblaws Gloucester Market store today as part of the OC Transpo/Loblaw Annual Christmas Food Drive, which will collect donations of non-perishable food items or cash for the Ottawa Food Bank from residents on Saturday, December 6.

“For the past three decades, Ottawa residents, as well as City employees and their families, have demonstrated the generosity of our community by strongly supporting this important annual event,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The Ottawa Food Bank is such an important organization here in our community, and events like the OC Transpo/Loblaw Food Drive help to make the holiday season a little brighter for those in our city who are less fortunate.”

Donations are being accepted on Saturday, December 6 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.

Now in its 30

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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.

“This annual food drive is a great and fun way to help those in need in our community,” said Pam Smith, District Manager, Loblaw Companies Limited. “On behalf of the local Loblaw banner stores I would like to thank Ottawa residents for their support and generosity to make a difference for those in need this holiday season.”

“The OC Transpo Christmas Food Drive is a very important event to the Ottawa Food Bank and the families we serve, and has been since it began 30 years ago,” said Michael Maidment, Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank. “The food drive will help ensure that we have enough food to meet the need in the community throughout the Christmas season.” ** BACKGROUNDER **

Locations for the 30

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annual 2014 OC Transpo/Loblaw Christmas Food Drive

** Ottawa – ** Donations to the Ottawa Food Bank are being accepted on Saturday, December 6 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the 20 participating stores listed below:

Loblaws – 1460 Merivale Rd. Loblaws – 59 Robertson Rd. Loblaws – 1980 Baseline Rd. Loblaws – 1980 Ogilvie Rd. Loblaws – 3201 Greenbank Rd. Loblaws – 64 Isabella St. Loblaws – 2085 Carling Ave. Loblaws– 1910 St Laurent Blvd. Loblaws – 363 Rideau St. Loblaws – 2210C Bank St. Loblaws – 100 McArthur Rd. Loblaws – 200 Earl Grey Dr. Real Canadian Superstore – 190 Richmond Rd. Real Canadian Superstore – 4270 Innes Rd. Real Canadian Superstore – 760 Eagleson Rd. Your Independent Grocer  – 1619 Orléans Blvd Your Independent Grocer – 2681 Alta Vista Dr. Your Independent Grocer – 685 River Rd. Your Independent Grocer – 1251 Main St. Henderickx’s nofrills – 1226 Place d’Orléans Dr.