The 35th annual Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive kicked off today.
For more than three decades, the spirit of Edgar Burton has seen the mining company and its employees go above and beyond to ensure as many people in Sudbury as possible have a great Christmas.
The 2022 installment began today at Vale’s Sudbury Operations. That beginning is really an open invitation to the community to support the work of the Sudbury Food Bank.
“The Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive is a special tradition at Vale,” said Gord Gilpin, head of Vale’s Ontario operations and honorary co-chair of the campaign. “We encourage other local businesses, schools, organizations and the public to participate by donating food or funds to those in need.”
In a news release, the two organizations describe the beginnings of the drive.
“This joint initiative between Vale and United Steelworkers Local 6500 began 35 years ago when Edgar Burton, a Vale employee and member of the United Steelworkers Local 6500, started the annual food drive in the workplace,” the release states. “Since then, the campaign has grown to include hundreds of businesses, organizations and schools, which have collected over 1,000 tons of food for the Sudbury Food Bank since it first began.”
Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle, who is also honorary co-chair of the event, said the union is proud to continue the campaign.
“United Steelworkers Local 6500 members are proud to be a part of this campaign and follow the example of generosity set by our member, the late Edgar Burton,” Larochelle said. “It makes the difference in the lives of so many.”
The Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive runs from today, Nov. 21 to Dec. 9.
After the drive ends, reserve troops from the Canadian Armed Forces Second Battalion Irish Regiment will be picking up donations from businesses and organizations. This will occur between Dec. 12-14.
Donations help to feed approximately 8,000 clients that access the Sudbury Food Bank every month, the organizations said.
“It’s everyone working together that makes the Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive so successful each year,” said Mellaney Dahl, president of the Sudbury Food Bank. “No one can feed everyone, but everyone can feed someone.”
For more information about the Edgar Burton Christmas Food Drive and on how to participate, click here, call 705-682-8200 or email [email protected]. Follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #OneMoreCan.
