While it is no more a surprise that rising inflation has changed the purchasing habits of Canadians, with many struggling to meet day-to-day expenses. With inflation reaching 7.6 per cent in July, purchasing power for many has decreased.

Among many things affecting Canadians is the cost of food, which rose by 9.7 per cent during the past year. As inflation continues to attack other areas, too, such as shelter and transportation, most have been less able to budget money for food.

Food banks across Canada have been campaigning to bring awareness to the issue. In 91原创, one local charity organization is joining a province-wide initiative to support food banks ahead of Thanksgiving, and this isn鈥檛 their first time.

Three weeks into the local campaign, Inclusion 91原创 Society has collected about 1,200 items for the sixth annual BC Thanksgiving Food Drive. Last year, the society was able to secure 3,000 items for the cause.

Their campaign, which is entering its final week on Sept. 19, includes encouraging people to donate unexpired food like can soup, pasta, rice, can veggies and meat, can fruit, and more. In addition, society is hoping to get items like baby wipes, hand sanitizers, disposable razors, baby diapers, toiletry items, baby bottles, and sippy cups.

Shirley Yamashita, coordinator, children鈥檚 respite and volunteer Network, told 91原创 Advance Times that the society understands the struggle families and individuals in the community are going through to secure healthy food.

Yamashita said personal care items like deodorant are also in need.

People have until Sept. 24 to drop off their donations to Inclusion 91原创 Society, located at 23535 44 Ave., 91原创. Those who need bags to pack their donations can request the society to get them delivered. Volunteers will also pick up packed items from the donor鈥檚 home.

The donations will then be delivered to the provincial coordinator of BC Thanksgiving Food Drive.

鈥淭his is part of [the society鈥檚] values鈥� to support the community. It takes all of us to support a healthy community.鈥�

Yamashita also shared that 30 volunteers and about 12 staff are working behind the scenes to make this a successful campaign.

Inclusion 91原创 Society is a registered society and charitable organization offering a range of programs and services, including infant development program, support child development program, aboriginal infant and supported child development program, early years, children鈥檚 respite, adult respite, a full range of residential supports including staffed homes, home share and supported living, community inclusion, personal network development and supported and customized employment.

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