This is the season to think about those less fortunate and do something to help, says Glen Cormier of the Bowen Island Pub. To make a contribution to the Bowen Island Food Bank, Cormier asked his customers to bring in a donation of non-perishable food items on Sunday, December 23, from 3 to 6 p.m. As a reward, he offered complimentary appetizers as well as a drink ticket for every food bank donation.
"If we go by weight, we got close to 100 pounds," Cormier said. "Many people brought more than we asked for. We received a lot of canned goods and people brought a really good selection. I know that the food bank is looking for proteins and we have canned ham and meats in addition to soups, pastas and things like that."
On Monday, December 24, Cormier was assisted by his 10-year-old daughter Farrah to deliver the food to Bowen Island's Little Red Church that houses a pantry-style food bank where the doors are always open. This was just one of the events supporting the food bank that received almost $1,200 in cash and four "crammed cruisers" from the Bowen Island RCMP on Friday, December 14, plus proceeds from other holiday fundraisers.
Cormier was pleased with the response from about 50 customers and his staff. To reward the efforts, he had prepared a gift basket as well as a second prize.
"Jen McIntyre won the gift basket and Jim McConnan won two tickets to our New Year's event," Cormier said, explaining that Ginger 66 will provide the entertainment on December 31. The band played at the pub two months ago to a very appreciative crowd. "Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door if they are still available," Cormier said.
