As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of generosity is on full display across London, Ontario. This weekend, residents, local businesses, media organizations, and hundreds of volunteers came together for the annual Business Cares grocery store weekend food drive, a major campaign that supports the London Food Bank and helps ensure families in need have access to essential food supplies throughout the winter months.
The two-day effort, which is a cornerstone of the larger Business Cares holiday campaign, saw teams deployed to grocery stores throughout the city, greeting shoppers, collecting donations, and raising awareness about the growing need for food assistance in the community.
With increasing food insecurity affecting households of all backgrounds, the importance of this year’s drive is even more significant. Organizers say the response from Londoners has been both heartwarming and essential in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Volunteers Mobilize Across 45 Grocery Stores
On Saturday, day one of the campaign, more than 1,000 volunteers fanned out across 45 grocery stores in the London area, setting up collection points at store entrances. Wearing bright and identifiable volunteer gear, they spoke with customers, accepted donated food items, and explained the impact of every contribution.
From canned goods and boxed meals to toiletries and monetary donations, supporters offered whatever they could give. For many shoppers, it was a reminder that small gestures can have a powerful influence when combined with community-wide action.
The scene was one of unity and purpose, as volunteers worked in a continuous flow to sort, pack, and transport items back to the London Food Bank for distribution.
The scale of the operation demonstrates just how deeply ingrained the Business Cares campaign has become in the local culture. Now a long-standing holiday tradition, the grocery store weekend is considered one of the most important fundraising events for the organization.
Strong Media Support at Food Basics on Wonderland Road South
A focal point of the weekend was the Bell Media location at Food Basics on Wonderland Road South, where staff and on-air personalities from CTV London, Virgin Radio, and Pure Country Radio joined in the effort.
Media teams were on site not only to report on the initiative but to actively participate—greeting customers, encouraging donations, and helping pack and organize goods. Their presence helped amplify the message to a wider audience and motivated even more people to take part.
The involvement of broadcasting teams also highlighted how the Business Cares Food Drive is truly a collaborative effort, bringing together the private sector, media, and the public for a common cause.
Shoppers responded with enthusiasm, often stopping to speak with volunteers about their own experiences and expressing appreciation for the work being done.
Julie Atchison Highlights Growing Need in the Community
CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison, who also serves as a Food Drive captain, spoke about the deeper meaning behind the initiative. She emphasized how critical this weekend is in filling the shelves of the London Food Bank, especially as holiday pressures increase for struggling families.
“This is going to fill the shelves at the food bank for months,” Atchison said. “When you think about the families using the food bank, a lot of people are coming in for the very first time during the holidays and not being able to afford food for their children.”
Her words underscored a key reality: more people than ever are seeking help from food banks, often for the first time in their lives. Rising living costs, inflation, and unexpected financial challenges have left many households facing difficult decisions between groceries, rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.
Atchison also pointed out that approximately 40 per cent of those who rely on the London Food Bank are children, a statistic that continues to resonate with volunteers and donors alike.
“So when you think about that, it really sticks with you,” she added.
Multiple Ways to Give: Every Donation Counts
The Business Cares team has made donating as accessible and inclusive as possible. While many supporters contribute non-perishable food items, there are several additional ways for people to give.
At donation stations, volunteers accepted:
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Canned food and boxed items
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Toiletries and hygiene products
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Cheques
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Debit and credit card donations
According to Atchison, the form of donation doesn’t matter nearly as much as the act itself.
“We take it all. Cheques, Visa, debit — every way you want to give,” she said. “Every can makes a difference. One can means just as much as one hundred dollars. Each donation really makes an impact.”
This message reinforces the idea that giving is not about the size of one’s contribution, but rather the willingness to support others during a time of need.
Many families were seen arriving with bags of groceries specifically purchased to donate, while others rounded up totals at the checkout counter to support the cause.
Business Cares Chair Emphasizes Importance of the Weekend
Wayne Dunn, Chair of Business Cares, spoke with CTV News about the critical role the grocery store weekend plays in setting the tone for the entire seasonal campaign.
“This weekend is so important for us. It sets the stage and the tone for the whole campaign,” said Dunn. “There’s not a grocery store in the area that we aren’t in. And we couldn’t do it without the volunteers.”
He also confirmed that close to 1,000 volunteers were involved in this year’s drive — showcasing the incredible turnout and the level of dedication from the business and local communities.
Dunn noted that beyond collecting food and funds, the event raises awareness about the reality of hunger in London and creates an opportunity for meaningful community engagement.
Addressing a Growing Issue of Food Insecurity
While the holiday season is traditionally a time of celebration, it can also be one of the most difficult periods for low-income families and individuals. The demand for food bank services typically rises significantly during this time of year.
The contributions collected during the Business Cares grocery store weekend are carefully distributed over the coming months to ensure consistent support when it is most needed.
Organizers say that without this campaign, many families would face serious hardship. The generosity seen during the weekend will help bridge the gap and provide hope to thousands of people across the city.
Food insecurity is not just a statistic — it is a lived experience for children, seniors, newcomers, and working families alike. By taking action as a community, Londoners are proving that no one has to face these challenges alone.
Community Comes Together with Compassion and Purpose
What stands out most about the Business Cares weekend is the shared sense of responsibility and compassion. From early morning until late afternoon, volunteers stood in cold temperatures, greeted shoppers with smiles, and encouraged everyone to consider the impact they could make.
Parents brought their children to teach them the importance of giving back. Seniors donated what they could. Businesses sent teams to represent their workplaces and build a culture of kindness.
