Hockey4Hampers in support of the North Bay Food Bank is back at North Bay Battalion home games this season.

“Each game will have a specific food item we’re looking for donations,” says Debbie Marson, Executive Director of the food bank. “We’ll collect them at all the entrance gates at the start of the game and keep a tally to see how great our fanbase this year is for supporting the food bank.”

The initiative kicked off in mid-February last season and raised about 700 pounds of food.  

“This year we’re leading off with Fanfest which happens [Saturday] at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens, from 12-4 pm and we’re asking people to bring their donations of non-perishables and we’ll have fun things to do for them.”

That includes a wheel to spin for prizes.

Marson says with classes back underway their school packs are one focus.

“We provide some lunch support for our clients with children in school,” she says. “We’re looking for juice boxes, school friendly snacks, things we can add to those packs.  But with our food bank and being a consistent need each day, each week, each month we’re always looking to keep our shelves stocked.”

Battalion Fanfest on Saturday includes player meet-and-greets, giveaways, and more.

The afternoon wraps up at 4 pm with the Troops playing their final pre-season game against the Owen Sound Attack.

Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years.  From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.