Watch Chucks & Feed the Hungry
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) is teaming up with Encana Corporation once again for the Race Against Hunger, which will roll into the Grande Prairie Stompede May 25 to 29. Now in its second year, the program raises awareness and donations of food and funds for local food banks in the summer when contributions can be fewer than the need. Encana will match all donations dollar for dollar or $2 per pound up to $10,000.
Food and comfort have run deep throughout the WPCA‟s heritage, with chuckwagons once serving as the rolling kitchens of the prairies. Adding a modern twist to the tradition, Encana‟s natural gas powered “truck wagon” will serve as the collection point for donations. The Dodge pick-up truck turned covered wagon will be parked at Evergreen Park‟s TEC Centre for the duration of the Stompede where volunteers from the Horizon 4-H Club and the Salvation Army will be accepting donations.
“We encourage everyone to bring a donation of non-perishable food or cash in support of the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank during this great community event,” says Mike Forgo, Vice-President, Business Services and Stakeholder Relations at Encana. “Our company is privileged to work in the Grande Prairie area, and the Race Against Hunger is part of our larger commitment to make this a strong and sustainable community.”
The WPCA is rearing to go, and the drivers are a key part of the program action this year. “We‟re very pleased to have the support of Encana,” says Meghan McIvor, Marketing Manager with the World Professional Chuckwagon Association. “As part of our long-time partnership, the company issued a friendly challenge to our drivers – whomever engages his friends, family and sponsors to raise the most food and cash for Race Against Hunger will be recognized as the official „Food Driver of the Year‟ and will be eligible for a $1,000 prize and matching donation to the food bank of his choice, courtesy of Encana.”
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.
