Community invited to help “Fill the Bus” at three grocery stores this weekend

Jill Kanwischer from the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission and Jasmine Mulder of Be The Light Outreach Ministry hold one of the banners donated by Encounter Church for the June 27-28 “Fill the Bus” food drive. Buses will be parked at Sobeys, Rob & Tina’s No Frills and Walmart with food that will go on them shared by the mission, Be the Light and the food bank at Amherstburg Community Services (ACS).

As food costs continue to strain household budgets and local food banks face growing demand, Amherstburg residents are once again being invited to come together for a cause that makes a lasting difference in the community. The fifth annual Fill the Bus Food Drive will take place this weekend - Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 - from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Walmart, Sobeys, and Rob & Tina’s No Frills in Amherstburg.  

Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items and monetary contributions that will be shared among Amherstburg Community Services (ACS), the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, and Be The Light Outreach Ministry. 

The donations collected during the two-day event help ensure local organizations can continue providing food and support to individuals and families throughout Amherstburg and the surrounding area.    “This event carries us through the summer, fall, and winter,” said Jasmine Mulder of Be The Light Outreach Ministry.

“We are excited for the fifth year of Fill The Bus. This is our largest event of the year. With summer just around the corner and kids out of school, many rely on us for snacks and meals for their children.”   The need continues to grow across the community. 

“We’re seeing more families reach out for support, and the need continues to grow,” said Jill Kanwischer, board member the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. “Keeping the food bank stocked is an ongoing challenge, so we’re excited about the impact this drive can have.”    

The mission has seen a notable increase in requests for assistance, welcoming seven new families to its food bank program last month alone, with four additional families registering in the first two weeks of June. 

At Amherstburg Community Services, the impact of community support is felt every day.    “We are so grateful to have a community that comes together to help each other out,” said Annette Sak, community awareness and fundraising officer with ACS. “Our food bank relies on donations to help those in our community struggling with food insecurities.”  

Over the past five years, Fill the Bus has become a much-anticipated community event, bringing together volunteers, local organizations, businesses, and residents with a shared goal of helping neighbours in need. 

Organizers hope to fill school buses parked at each grocery store location with food and essential household items. They are grateful to Encounter Church, who donated new canvas banners for the buses and printing for the event, to our media sponsors 107.9 FM The Burg CKBG and the River Town Times, and to Switzer-Carty for providing the buses and bus driver’s services. 

  Organizers  are also thankful for local businesses such as Naples Pizza, Dominos Pizza, and Quesada Burritos and Tacos who are providing food for the volunteers.        

New This Year: Children’s Colouring Contest

A new addition to Fill the Bus this year is a children’s colouring contest. Young artists can pick up a Fill the Bus colouring sheet at any of the three buses (parked at the grocery stores during the event). Small picnic tables and crayons will be available on-site so children can participate while their families shop or make donations (adult supervision required). Three randomly selected participants will receive a gift certificate generously provided by Amherstburg Beavertails.

Community BBQ Saturday, June 27

  Visitors are also invited to enjoy a community BBQ on Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. which is sponsored by, and held at, the No Frills location. Hot dogs, chips, and pop will be available in exchange for a donation of any amount, with all proceeds supporting the Fill the Bus campaign.     Some of the items that are needed the most are snacks for children, bottled water, pasta sauce, creamed soups, salad dressing, condiments, and juice boxes.For those who prefer to give financially, donations can be made to the lead volunteer at the three buses on the weekend, or anytime by sending an e-transfer to info@encounteraburg.ca. 

    Please include “Fill the Bus” in the message field. 

     Donors wishing to receive a tax receipt for donations of $20 or more should include their name and mailing address as part of their donation. Organizers encourage everyone to participate, whether by donating food, making a financial contribution, volunteering, or simply helping spread the word. 

As local organizations prepare for increased demand during the summer months, every donation—large or small—helps ensure that families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship have access to nutritious food and essential support.

Residents are invited to stop by Walmart, Sobeys, or No Frills in Amherstburg June 27-28 and help Fill the Bus with hope, compassion, and practical assistance for neighbours in need.

Community invited to help “Fill the Bus” at three grocery stores this weekend

By Laurie Hatton 

Special to the RTT