(Renfrew County Paramedics photo)
It’s Renfrew County Paramedic Commander Amber Hultink’s favourite time of year.
Paramedics and helpers are gearing up for the 14th annual County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Food and Toy Drive at Renfrew Walmart this Saturday, Dec. 7.
The event, held in conjunction with the Renfrew and District Food Bank, started in 2011 when Hultink and some colleagues wanted to give back beyond what they do in their paramedic roles.
All the donations 100 per cent stay within the catchment area, she noted.
The food and toy drive is quite different from the work paramedics do every day, she said.
And it’s been an impressive haul thus far with Hultink reporting that over the years they’ve collected almost 4,000 toys, almost $30,000 cash and almost 7,000 food items.
Every year the need appears to be increasing and with rising inflation and the cost of living going up, Hultink said she appreciates it can be hard to find extra to help the less fortunate.
Hultink said they continue to be impressed by how the community comes together to throw support behind this annual event.
The 14th annual County of Renfrew Paramedic Service Food and Toy Drive at Renfrew Walmart is this Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
