This year, Save on Foods staff in Fernie raised $3568 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation through their Round Up For Kids campaign. This is almost double what they raised last year.
Starting on October 12, cashiers asked customers if their wanted to round up their bills to the nearest dollar. Many customers agreed to support a good cause and helped the store surpass its goal of $3500.
Each department manager in the store set a threshold goal that, if met, would require them to have pies thrown in their face. Marleigh Kallhood set a goal of $1500, Ryan Nesbitt $2000, Dane Milliken $2500, Lori Dvorak $3000, and Alex Frioult $3500.
On October 24, all managers lined up at the front of the door and customers had the opportunity to throw pies in their faces for $1.
A total of 415 pies were thrown at managers in the span of two hours.
Save on Foods stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba competed, with the Fernie store placing in the top 15 with amount raised.
“That’s against all the other Save on Foods and big stores in the cities … so that’s very very good for us, a small store,” said Dvorak, who is Assistant Store Manager.
Asked why she thought the fundraiser is important, Dvorak explained that it helps bring awareness to a very important cause.
“Even though it’s not directly for the community, it still involves the community. Everyone has had a sick child at one point or another,” she said.
To donate to the Children’s Hospital, visit Bcchildrens.ca/donate.