Buy a pumpkin and leave a legacy: that's the goal of Thrifty Foods in the days leading up to Halloween.
From now until October 31, one dollar from the sale of every B.C. pumpkin sold at all 28 Thrifty Foods locations will be donated to fourteen hospital foundations throughout the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and on Saltspring Island.
"We are proud to partner with and support local hospitals, hospital foundations and other health-focused organizations raising funds for much-needed medical equipment," said Jim Dores, president of Thrifty Foods. "Since 2008, our customers and staff have helped us raise over $144,000 for hospital foundations in all Island and Lower Mainland communities served by Thrifty Foods."
Organizations supported by the fundraising campaign include the Delta, Peace Arch, Fraser Valley Health Care, Eagle Ridge, Lions Gate and Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and Ridge Meadows in the Lower Mainland. On the Island, Pumpkins for Charity supports the Victoria, Saanich Peninsula, Cowichan District, Nanaimo and District, Campbell River and St. Joseph's Hospital Foundations as well as Lady Minto Gulf Island Foundation on Saltspring Island.
"As the first foundation to benefit from their generosity, Thrifty Foods has supported our foundation for the last 15 years and we could not be more grateful for the tremendous support and leadership they have shown to us over the years," says Melanie McKenzie, executive director of the Victoria Hospital Foundation. "The funds raised through this year's Pumpkins for Charity campaign will go toward our goal of purchasing nine medication dispensing cabinets for the Royal Jubilee Hospital Patient Care Centre in Victoria."
Pumpkins for Charity follows February's five week Help Out One Buck at a Time campaign which raised over $84,000 through in-store sales of 4lb. bags of Buck Brand certified organic Navel oranges as well as donations from customers, staff and Buck Brand owner Lisle Babcock.
