New Westminster's fourth annual Pride Week is building on a tradition of giving back by supporting the New Westminster food bank as part of this year's festivities.
Organizers are encouraging everyone attending the Royal City Pride Society's upcoming Pride Week, starting Aug. 16, to bring donations for the food bank.
"We're encouraging everybody to bring a canned good to any of the events which we host. We will have somebody there to collect on behalf of the food bank," said Ian Gould, the society's sponsorship director.
Last year the Royal City Pride Society held a fundraiser in support of the Lookout Emergency Aid Society at Wild Rice at River Market. The event raised more than $1,700 for the society's community kitchen programs.
This year, the pride society wanted to do something a little different to honour one of its most hardworking volunteers who does lots of work behind the scenes, said Gould.
"It's somebody who works quietly behind the scenes. ... She works incredibly hard for the society but never wants any recognition," he added.
The volunteer - who doesn't want her name published - suggested the pride society fundraise in support of the food bank, and because of her hard work and dedication, everyone agreed, Gould said.
"We felt to honour her and help her with her cause, it would be a wonderful thing to do," he said.
Food bank representatives will be at each event, so everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the collection bins.
"We will have people collecting (items) at every event," he added.
The Army & Navy will also be issuing coupons - available at the store and around town - for the Hills and Heels event on Aug. 17. The coupons can be used to purchase anything in the store to donate to the food bank, Gould said.
For more information on Pride Week, visit www.royalcitypride society.com.
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