A liquor store is using its busiest season to help out food banks at their slowest season.
The need for food banks is no lower than any other season, but donations slow to their lowest levels each year during the summer months. That means food banks often struggle to keep their shelves stocked during the summer months.
On the other hand, Jak’s liquor stores find themselves kicking off the “summer sipping season.”
“Our busiest weekend of the year falls at a time when food banks across B.C. are struggling to keep their shelves stocked,” said director of marketing and sales Tim Dumas. “We see this as an opportunity to raise a glass with our guests and raise money with awareness for food banks across B.C. at the same time.”
Ten per cent of all sales from the 14 Jak’s locations in B.C. on Saturday, June 22 will be going toward food banks in Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Penticton, Williams Lake and Campbell River as part of the Jak’s gives back program.
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank serves 8,000-9,000 people every week at locations in Burnaby, New West and Vancouver, said GVFB chief development officer Cynthia Boulter.
“The support of our communities means the world to us,” Boulter said.
Food banks often encourage money donations rather than food donations, with food banks typically able to buy $3 worth of food for every $1 donated.
The day of the campaign, customers will be able to sip while they shop, with local beer and wine tastings happening throughout the day.
Customers will also have a chance to win “an ultimate night out in Vancouver” as a prize package, including two tickets to Cirque du Soleil, dinner and a night at The Sutton Place Hotel.
