Tanara Oliveira/News Staff
The annual 10,000 Tonight Food Drive is set to return to Colwood on Nov. 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. After a hiatus due to pandemic restrictions, the event is back for in-person collections.
Volunteers will hit the streets, going door to door throughout Colwood, gathering non-perishable food items and monetary donations. The event, organized by Royal Bay Secondary, has been a significant tradition, drawing support from both students and local residents, in a collective effort to provide assistance to those in need during the holiday season.
The 10,000 Tonight Food Drive, which originated several years ago with the ambitious goal of collecting 10,000 non-perishable food items in a single night, has since expanded to encompass all three high schools in the Sooke School District. All donations received will be channeled towards supporting the Goldstream food bank.
Royal Bay has consistently been at the forefront of this initiative. Student leaders at the school have dedicated themselves to orchestrating this massive event, year after year. Their dedication, coupled with the unwavering support of the school and local community, has ensured the success of 10,000 Tonight, offering a glimmer of hope to individuals and families in the West Shore and Sooke communities during challenging times.
“10,000 Tonight is not only a fantastic way for students and community members to build a shared sense of identity, but it is also an essential way to give back to the community,” said Jocelynne Richards, a teacher at Royal Bay Secondary School.
Residents are encouraged to support the event through various means, including saving non-perishable food items for donation, with volunteers ready to collect them on Nov. 30. Donations in the form of cash or checks (made payable to the Goldstream Food Bank Society or School District No.62) can be made at the school office or via the Royal Bay School website using the school cash online feature.
If you represent a business keen on supporting this worthy cause, the school’s leadership teachers are available to discuss potential donations or door prizes for the dedicated volunteers.