With just days left in the campaign, the Business Cares Food Drive is in danger of falling short of its goal.
As of Friday morning, the food drive had only brought in 55% of its goal of 290,871 lbs.
"This is the 16th year of the campaign and they all run very similar in terms of the last weekend, we really need a push," says Wayne Dunn, co-chair of the Business Cares Food Drive. "We can't just assume that we are going to just make it because with 45% to go that's a lot of donations still to bring in here. We have trucks out picking up donations but we don't know how much is coming back in."
The annual food drive, which kicked off December 1, challenges businesses of all sizes to collect donations for the London Food Bank.
In addition to being short nearly half of its goal, the drive has seen fewer businesses sign up to participate this year.
"We are down probably 30 or 40 businesses to where we really should be. Actually signed up right now, we are probably in the 250 range," says Dunn. "Last year, we had a total of 400 by the end and where we should be right now is closer to the 300 level."
Those heading to Budweiser Gardens for Friday night's London Knights game or Saturday's preseason game between the London Lightning and are asked to bring a non-perishable for the "Be A Fan Bring A Can" initiative. With the amount of donations expected from those two events, Dunn is cautiously optimistic that they will achieve their goal.
"Am I worried and concerned? Yes, I always am this time of year. The generosity of Londoners normally pulls it through and we get some nice surprise cheques to be able to make it," says Dunn. "We can't do it without the generosity of people deciding to write cheques or to bring in lots of food. I look back last year and it's very, very similar. We just made it last year and we are really hoping we make it this year."
Businesses or individuals who want to donate to Business Cares can do so by dropping donations off at County Heritage located at 1275 Hubrey Rd., Finch Auto dealerships, London YMCA Branches, the Covent Garden Market, or RBC Branches.
All donations collected during the food drive will be delivered to the London Food Bank Tuesday.