Legion Catch the Ace food drive brings in 6,100 pounds of food for local food bank

Sarnia Legion Branch 62’s weekly Catch the Ace lottery helped bring in 6,185 pounds of food and $700 for the Inn of the Good Shepherd food bank, as local patrons turned the popular fundraiser into a major community donation drive.

A weekly lottery draw turned into a major show of community support Thursday, as patrons attending the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 Catch the Ace draw donated more than 6,100 pounds of food to the Inn of the Good Shepherd’s food bank.

The final donation total was 6,185 pounds of food, along with $700 in monetary donations. The collection filled one cube van and five Legion vans, helping restock food bank shelves at a time when local demand remains high.

The food drive was hosted by Sarnia Legion Branch 62 during its weekly Catch the Ace ticket sales and draw, giving residents an easy way to support local families while taking part in one of the city’s most popular community fundraisers.

The Inn of the Good Shepherd thanked everyone who brought food or made a financial contribution, saying the support will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Sarnia-Lambton.

“Sarnia-Lambton, you continue to show what community is all about,” the Inn said in a social media post following the collection.

The Legion also thanked the community for stepping up, noting the donation drive showed how a large community event can be used to help local organizations in a practical and immediate way.

A special thank you was also extended to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton for helping organize the collection.

The food drive comes as food banks across the community continue to face rising demand and ongoing challenges with donations. Organizers say the generosity shown Thursday is an example of what can happen when residents come together around a shared cause.

Sarnia Legion Branch 62 is expected to continue using the momentum of Catch the Ace to support local needs, with another donation drive planned for the Salvation Army food bank.