Oktoberfest donates over 50,000 meals to food bank

Due to the pandemic the annual parade didn't happen, but the community still came up big for The Food Bank of Waterloo.

Over $16,000 was collected during the Onkel Hans Food Drive, which equals 50,000 meals.

Representatives from OktoberfestCares, Piller's and Zehrs, recently presented the food bank with the cheque.

“Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many of our regular events were not able to happen, it was important that our festival continue to support the community. It’s a great pleasure to announce that, with the help of great sponsors like Piller’s, Zehrs and Home Hardware, the Onkel Hans Food Drive continued to have a positive impact on our community. We are so proud of Waterloo Region for opening up both their hearts and their wallets for those in our community who need it.” Tim Beckett, President of K-W Oktoberfest Inc. said in a release.

“With many events being cancelled this year due to the pandemic, it has been heartwarming to see the community rally and support Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and the Onkel Hans Food Drive,” said Wendi Campbell, CEO, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “As one of the longest running fundraisers in our community, the Onkel Hans Food Drive will help provide emergency food assistance to more than 33,000 people in Waterloo Region during the pandemic and beyond. Thank you to our long-time partner, Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, and the community for your generosity and continued support.”

Since its inception, the food drive has raised more than one million meals.

Donations can still be made online at www.thefoodbank.ca/donate/.