Year 19 of the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food has wrapped up with another successful campaign, helping restock food bank shelves across the region.
Organizers said the annual campaign only works because of strong community backing.
Volunteers across each town gave their time to collect food and donations. Businesses and organizations also ran their own drives in support of local food banks.
The six-week road trip supported 11 local communities thanks to sponsors including RCL, Hinton Auto Group, 88.1 myFM and 92.3 WOW FM, Hometown News, North Leeds & Grenville and Impression Printing.
Donors filled collection bins with thousands of pounds of food and contributed significant financial support. Organizers thanked residents for continuing to show up year after year.
This milestone year also marks 20 years of giving back through the campaign. Organizers Chris and JW said they are already looking ahead to next year and hope to see even more community members take part.
Total food collected: 159,936.5 lbs
Total cash collected: $276,086.30
Community totals:
Almonte & Carleton Place – 46,184 lbs and $56,687
Perth – 71,500 lbs and $30,462
Lanark – 3,600 lbs and $13,350
Smiths Falls – 28,801.5 lbs and $132,292.84
Westport – 350 lbs and $5,506.80
Elgin – 1,035 lbs and $7,642.50
Portland – 2,250 lbs and $19,073.86
Merrickville – 1,800 lbs and $875
Athens – 1,575 lbs and $3,255.30
Delta – 2,841 lbs and $6,941
