There are no rain delays in the Race Against Hunger!
Drumheller, Alberta (June 15, 2011)
Due to significant rain fall, the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and Drumheller Ag Society have decided to postpone this weekend’s chuckwagon races until conditions on the track are safe for drivers and their teams.
But despite the wet weather in Drumheller, the WPCA and Encana Corporation are moving forward with plans to support the Drumheller Salvation Army Food Bank through the Race Against Hunger. Now in its second year, the program raises awareness and donations of food and funds for local food banks in the summer when community need can outpace donations.
The Race Against Hunger has already gained incredible momentum in Drumheller, and will proceed focused on the Stuff the Truck Fundraiser at the Co-op parking lot on Friday, June 17 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm with a free breakfast beginning at 8:30 am. Encana will match all donations dollar-for-dollar or $2 per pound of food up to $10,000.
“Rain or shine, we’re going to be out for the Stuff the Chuck event as part of the Race Against Hunger. We’ll be in the Co-op parking lot near Encana’s natural gas powered truckwagon with volunteers from The Salvation Army and Hi-way 9.” says Lieutenant Matt Schiels, Corps Officer for the Drumheller Salvation Army. “The timing of the event is ideal; our stock is quite depleted, yet the need for our services remains unchanged.”
Food and comfort run deep in WPCA tradition, with chuckwagons once serving as settlers’ rolling kitchens. “Our drivers of course want to race, but safety is paramount for the WPCA and our sponsors. They can still race for bragging rights thanks to Encana’s friendly challenge with the Race Against Hunger’s Food Driver of the Year award. They’ll be at Stuff the Chuck from 11 am to 3 pm, bagging groceries and selling $15 hampers to help make it easy for folks to contribute,” says Meghan McIvor, Marketing Manager with the WPCA.
“Drumheller is an incredible community and has shown a great deal of heart in getting involved with the Race Against Hunger,” says Mike Forgo, Vice-President, Business Services and Stakeholder Relations at Encana. “We want to thank the WPCA, Salvation Army volunteers and Hi-way 9 Transport for their efforts in bringing the community together to support the Drumheller Salvation Army Food Bank.”
“Our company is privileged to work in the Drumheller area, and the Race Against Hunger is part of our larger commitment to make this a strong and sustainable community.”
The rain can’t wash away the outstanding efforts of the Drumheller-area 4-H clubs including Delia, Hesketh Orkney, Rumsey Rowley and Morrin Multi, who have outdone themselves with a very special contribution. “We want to especially congratulate the local 4-H clubs who went above and beyond in their hard work and generosity to support the Race Against Hunger,” says Forgo.
Four local 4-H members worked on a hand-built birch strip canoe as their achievement project. “We auctioned it off at the June 6 Delia beef sale and raised $2,500 in proceeds, all of which the members donated to the Race Against Hunger. We’re excited to know that Encana is matching their efforts in support of a good cause,” says Janice Hoover, Key Leader for the Drumheller 4-H Region.
The Race Against Hunger program takes place in select Dodge Pro Tour stops including the Alberta Communities of Grande Prairie, Drumheller, Ponoka, Strathmore and Dawson Creek B.C. In 2010, the program raised $25,000 and more than 3,800 pounds of food for local food banks.
Watch for the arrival of the “Food Drivers” at the Drumheller Co-op on Friday, June 17! The WPCA driver’s have been challenged by Encana to engage their fans, friends and sponsors to raise the most food and cash in support of the Race Against Hunger. Make your donation in the name of your favourite WPCA driver! The most successful driver will receive a matching donation for his efforts up to $10,000 from Encana to the food bank of his choice, a $1000 prize and a commemorative silver belt buckle – but the sweetest reward will be the bragging rights!