The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank launched its “12 Days of Christmas Giving” fundraiser on its website on December 1, asking Peninsula residents to donate one high-need item each day to help restock critically low pantry shelves before its holiday closure.
The 12-day challenge lists items such as cereal, pasta sauce and school snacks, leading to a collective drop-off on Day 13 at the food bank’s facility at 9586 Fifth St., Sidney.
Regular client hamper distributions end on December 17; Christmas hamper pick-ups for registered recipients are scheduled for December 18–20, and the final fresh-produce pickup is December 23, ahead of the annual closure from December 24 to January 5. The timing makes the campaign especially time-sensitive for families who rely on support.
For the first time in its 41-year history, hamper applications closed early after the food bank hit maximum capacity on November 21. The food bank says demand is up about 20 percent from last year and that it serves roughly 500 families each month; some local reports have cited larger increases. “There seems to be more empty boxes than full ones these days at the food bank, with food donations disappearing, all while the numbers of those we help continue to grow,” said Bev Elder, executive director.
On December 13, Peninsula firefighters from Sidney, North Saanich and Central Saanich will host a drive-through food drive, which serves as the campaign’s peak collection day. Residents can also drop off donations at the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank (9586 Fifth St., Sidney) during donation hours, and at designated drop-off sites such as local fire halls and the Sidney Community Safety Building.
If you plan a donation or community drive, check the food bank’s official pages for the most up-to-date hours, collection points and items in greatest need.
