Peninsula firefighters become Santa’s helpers for Christmas food drive

Published 5:45 am Saturday, December 6, 2025

‘Our family helping your family’ is the motto at the North Saanich Fire Department, and this year, the department honours that statement on Dec. 13 through the annual Peninsula Firefighters Christmas Food Drive.

On that Saturday, friendly firefighters across the Peninsula will drive through neighbourhoods, cheerfully picking up donations to support community members who rely on the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank and need support.

Donations are needed now more than ever as Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank has experienced a 30 per cent increase in people needing help to feed themselves and their families over the past year.

“A lot of the new faces we are seeing are seniors who have lost a spouse and are now struggling to get by on one income,” said Bev Elder, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank. “This food drive makes a big difference in our ability to serve the growing number of community members who turn to us.

“We so appreciate the way Peninsula residents take care of their neighbours in this way, along with local grocery stores that help us stretch each donated dollar further.”

To take part in the neighbourhood drive-thru on Dec. 13, simply bring your donation to a firefighter or one of their volunteering family members when they pass by your home. Donated items can also be left on doorsteps or curbside for pickup. Drop-off stations will also be set up at local fire halls until Dec. 13.

For the most-needed items, view the list on the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank website under ‘12 Days of Christmas Giving’.

Food drive coordinator John Inoke of the Central Saanich Fire Department said food and personal hygiene products are in great need right now.

Cash donations are also gratefully accepted, as well as non-perishable food items (please ensure that any donated goods will not expire within the next six months). Charitable receipts can be issued for donations over $25.

“As much as I look forward to this event each year, it is a reminder of how many people in our community need a helping hand to feed their families. I hope those who are able will support our 2025 effort,” said food drive coordinator Rick Toogood of the Sidney Fire Department.

Donation opportunities:

Sidney: Drive-thrus in neighbourhoods south of Beacon Avenue on Dec. 13, from noon to 6 p.m. There will be a drive-thru donation in the back parking lot of the Community Safety Building at the same time. Drop-offs can also be made at the Sidney Community Safety Building until Dec. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Central Saanich: Drive-thrus in Brentwood Bay and Saanichton on Dec. 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Drop-offs can be made at the Central Saanich Fire Station No. 1 (1512 Keating Cross Rd.) and Central Saanich Municipal Hall from Dec. 8-12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

North Saanich: Drive-thru in the Dean Park and Eaglehurst area on Dec. 13 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Drop-offs can be made at the North Saanich Fire Hall No. 1 (986 Wain Rd.) and Hall No. 2 (1665 McTavish Rd.) until Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.