Colchester & East Hants families are giving from their heart to support their neighbors in crisis. The Hospice Society was truly impressed with the massive outpouring of support during their semi-annual Food From the Heart drive which wrapped up this weekend. “We are so moved by the generosity demonstrated at Sobeys, Foodland and PriceChopper stores during our Food from the Heart drive” said Cathrine Yuill, Executive Director.

The program, which provides Sobeys gift certificates to local families who are facing life threatening illness and financial hardship, distributed over $24,000 in certificates last year. “We worked with the very supportive and committed Sobeys team to plan this event and set aggressive targets to ensure we would be able to continue to support all the families who need the program” said Yuill. “We are thrilled to have reached our goal of raising $17,000 in just nine days”.

Families who need the Food From the Heart program come from all across Colchester and East Hants. They may be our friends and neighbors. Recently a family on the program wrote this letter: “My husband was found to have terminal cancer in March 2009. He not only was very ill but also had to worry about finances, but almost immediately Hospice was there to offer us help. The help we received put his mind at ease. My husband passed away earlier this year and our daughters and I just wanted you all to know how great a service this is for families in need.”

“We absolutely could not have done it without the generosity and commitment from community members willing to make donations while purchasing their groceries. The Sobeys, Foodland and Price Chopper staff from Tatamagouche, Truro, Stewiacke and Elmsdale have been the key to our success” said Yuill. 100% of the Food From the Heart donations go directly to supporting local families. The drive runs twice each year and will be back in a Sobeys, Foodland or Price Chopper near you next fall.