By Sarah Maetche

Red Deer you’ve done it again.

The 14th annual Stuff-A-Bus campaign held at Parkland Mall was yet again a success.

Over the weekend (December 2 to December 4), just over $43,000 was raised for the Red Deer Food Bank and the Red Deer Christmas Bureau. This total will be split equally between the two organizations to assist those in need during the Christmas season.

“Stuff-A-Bus is one of those events that will always stick in my mind, just because we get an opportunity to sit here and see the generosity of the community,” said Red Deer Food Bank Executive Director Fred Scaife.

An astounding 2,440 pounds of food was collected for the Red Deer Food Bank during the weekend. Hundreds of toys were also collected for the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.

On Friday at 9 a.m. the tables set up in the mall were bare, but by Sunday at 4 p.m., they were bursting full of toys and food, with donations spilling into nearby shopping carts. Red Deer residents responded to the call to ‘feed the need’ by bringing in monetary donations, food items and toys all throughout the weekend.

Many volunteers joined the campaign, carrying donation cans and bringing holiday cheer to those in the mall.

On Friday, the Stuff-A-Bus crew was treated to a performance by country crooners Two Shine County. Local singer-songwriter Jamie Woodfin also made a stop on Saturday.

“The big thing is the money raised will help both our organizations to make some kids life better,” said Scaife. “Can you imagine being a little kid, waking up on Christmas morning and getting breakfast and little else? That’s what would have happened if we hadn’t done this, if you hadn’t participated, if you hadn’t taken the time to come down here and make your contribution. On behalf of the Red Deer Food Bank, we can’t thank you enough.”

Stuff-A-Bus is an annual co-operative fundraiser held each year at Parkland Mall hosted by Red Deer radio stations Real Country 95.5 and Zed 98.9.