COVID-19 restrictions have cancelled Fish and Loaves’ annual Christmas dinner in Tofino, but donations are being accepted to ensure local families in need can still enjoy all the fixings of a merry meal.
Fish and Loaves announced the dinner cancellation on Dec. 8 and posted to social media that Christmas hampers will be handed out instead.
Anyone in need of a hamper, or who knows someone who is, can contact Fish and Loaves at
To help stuff those hampers full of bountiful cheer, Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn is hosting a Holiday Light Tour on Dec. 16 from 6-8 p.m. with proceeds going to Fish and Loaves.
“Our Welcome Ambassador will be collecting donations of non-perishable goods for the local food bank and the Inn will be matching any cash donations up to a value of $2,000,” the Inn’s event listing states.
Fish and Loaves will also be the beneficiary of a Stuff the Cruiser donation drive at the Tofino Co-op on Friday Dec. 17 from 1-5 p.m.
The event’s organizer Camilla Thorogood said volunteers will be at the event handing out lists of suggested donation items to shoppers.
Thorogood launched Tofino’s inaugural Stuff the Cruiser event two years ago after being inspired by the success of a similar annual event launched in Ucluelet in 2014.
“People need help at Christmas,” she told the Westerly News. “We have people here in need as well. Fish and Loaves takes care of a great deal of people here; a great deal.”
She added Tofino locals consistently answer the bell when called upon for community support.
“This community has always been generous when it comes to donations of any kind,” she said. “They’re neighbours and it’s Christmas. I really think that’s just the Christmas spirit.”
She added the Stuff the Cruiser event gives local police an opportunity to mingle with their community.
“With all the negative comments about police, I like to show the community that they are community-minded as well and are supportive of events in the community,” she said.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
READ MORE: Tofino Fish and Loaves volunteers Enns and Burns cheered for community service
READ MORE: Tofino and Ucluelet food initiatives share support
READ MORE: Tofino’s Fish and Loaves takes care of community members