Give and Go carrying on tradition of drive-in Christmas charity in Nanaimo

Community members are asked to drive in and share some Christmas charity next week. Sunshine Mountain Ford Lincoln’s Give and Go event, in support of the Salvation Army and Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank, will be held Friday, Dec. 5. This is the dealership’s 10th year hosting the event and first since it changed its name to Sunshine Mountain, and it’s a meaningful initiative for the business every year, said Ann Marie Clark, dealer principal. “It’s to make it easy for our community to donate to those people that are struggling at this time of year. It is a tough time of year for a lot of people,” she said. Motorists are asked to drive up to the dealership to donate money, non-perishable food items, unwrapped toys, and warm winter clothing like jackets, socks and tuques. Last year the event resulted in at least $4,000 raised for each charity, plus 4,000 kilograms of food, two sacks of clothing and 300 new toys. “It’s so much fun watching all the people come through. Last year we had a whole flat-deck of bikes dropped off. The generosity in the community is crazy,” Clark said. “It’s really fun to host it and get to see all that.” Give and Go happens from 5-7 p.m.