A bag of rice. A can of tuna. A box of cereal. They may not seem like much on their own. But when an entire community comes together, those individual donations can help put food on the table for local families.

Throughout September, Watkin Motors Ford is once again joining Ford dealerships around the world for the Global Ford Dealer Food Drive — and this year we’re asking Vernon to help us fill the Ford.

Everything collected at Watkin Motors Ford will support our local Salvation Army Vernon Community Food Bank.

A global effort that starts at home

The Global Ford Dealer Food Drive brings Ford dealerships, employees, customers and communities together to help address food insecurity.

Last September, Ford dealerships around the world collected more than 2 million pounds of food for local food banks and community organizations.

More than 3,000 dealerships across 31 countries participated in the effort.

Here in Canada, nearly half of the Ford of Canada Dealer Network participated, contributing more than 212,000 pounds of food nationwide — one of the highest totals in the world.

Watkin Motors Ford was proud to join that effort right here in Vernon.

This September, we’re doing it again. But the number we’re most interested in isn’t the worldwide total.

It’s how much we can collect for our own community.

This one hits close to home

For Watkin Motors Ford Marketing Manager On Ouch, this year’s food drive is about more than participating in a worldwide Ford initiative.

It’s about Vernon.

Having been involved in the local community for many years through his family’s restaurant, The Rice Box, On sees his new role at Watkin Motors Ford as another opportunity to use the dealership’s reach to raise awareness and support local organizations and causes.

The Vernon Food Bank is one of them.

Food insecurity isn’t something that only happens somewhere else. Individuals and families right here in Vernon rely on the support of our local food bank.

That’s why this isn’t about competing with Ford dealerships around the world to see who can collect the most.

It’s about what we can do together here in Vernon.

The Food Bank Needs These Items

If you’re wondering what to bring, the Salvation Army Vernon Community Food Bank has identified food and everyday essentials that help stock its shelves.

Consider adding a few of these items to your cart the next time you’re shopping:

For more information, visit the Salvation Army Vernon House of Hope’s
Needed Food Bank Items page.

How to donate

We’ve made it simple.

Pick up one item or a whole bag and bring it to Watkin Motors Ford before the end of September.

Whether you’re coming in for a service appointment, looking at a vehicle, picking up parts or simply driving by, you’re welcome to stop in and add something to the collection.

You don’t need to make a huge donation.

Bring a few cans. Bring a bag of rice. Bring some toiletries. Bring what you can.

Every item helps.

Let’s see what Vernon can do

Last year, Ford dealers around the world showed what can happen when thousands of local communities work toward the same goal.

This September, we’re focused on ours.

Watkin Motors Ford has been part of Vernon for generations, and we believe being part of a community means showing up when our neighbours need support.

So before September comes to an end, we’re asking our customers, employees, friends, local businesses and neighbours to help us Fill the Ford for the Vernon Food Bank.