The Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive and Kids Helping Kids campaign wrapped up with a heartfelt donation made on behalf of Edgar's late brother.
Through tears, Edgar's niece, Linda Joly, told the story of Edgar and his brother, Roger Burton.
"Edgar and Roger were inseparable as young children and young men growing up." Joly said. "Uncle Roger supported Uncle Edgar in all of his endeavours."
Sadly, Roger passed away on Nov. 1. As part of his final wishes, his estate provided a donation of $10,000 to the Edgar Burton Food Drive.
"Uncle Roger believed in the good and had hope for all," Joly said. "Today, we have the joy of presenting his last gift to the Edgar Burton Food Drive."
Although all the food items are still being tallied, thanks to the donation made in Roger Burton's honour and the generosity from 250 local businesses, the food drive is expected to collect more than 100 tons of food again this year.
The Rainbow District School Board Kids Helping Kids campaign alone collected 296,994 food items and $42,000 in cash this year.
"(Edgar) wanted to see the children take the food drive over," Joly said. "It's been eight years since Uncle Edgar passed. He would be head over heels ecstatic to see that these children in this community have pulled off what they pulled off.
"His legacy is continuing."
