Chamber Raises over 1100 lbs of Food

Christmas Hamper Program a Success

The Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce held their annual Christmas Hamper food drive business challenge again this year to great success. Executive Director of the Chamber, Sherri Bohme, reports the challenge brought in 1123 pounds of food and $800 that’ll go directly to the Cold Lake Food Bank for the Christmas Hamper Program.

“5 businesses participated, about the same as previous years,” says Bohme, who adds that the food and money raised was around the same amount as previous years. “2010 was the first year we did the food challenge. Previous to that, we hosted a Luncheon and had attendees bring a donation to the food bank; that particular project is was probably ten or more years old.”  The Chamber in one way or another, has supported the hamper project for over 15 years.

“Cold Lake Food Bank which will put holiday hampers together and then use the leftovers in the food bank.” Bohme says the businesses may be the ones collecting the food, but it’s really the community that makes it happen. “Although we don’t have huge numbers in participation from our business community, the ones who do participate have fun doing so and take the challenge seriously.”

“We give a certificate and a poinsettia to the winners of each category and It’s become a bit of a fun game to see if the regular winners (Lakeland Credit Union in the 10+ employees category and TNT Clothing in the Under 10 employees category) can keep their title,” Bohme says there was a change in the regime this year, as Casino Dene took the Over 10 employees category. TNT Clothing kept their title for most food raised in the under 10 employees category.

A bonus this year, The Cold Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, which includes Reflexology, raised $2300.00, for The Cold Lake Emergency Food Bank At their Annual Charity Day.

“Even though we don’t have huge participation in this event, we do know that so many of our businesses do their own donations and initiatives for the food bank; especially, at this time of year.” Bohme says the businesses really put their whole hearts into the food drive, “we have members who send their employees once a week to work the food bank, we have others who give their earnings for the day etc.  There are so many great ideas and initiatives out there and we just provide one more opportunity for the business community to participate.”