CARP – The 34th St. Nicholas Day in Carp Food Drive is moving online this year.

The annual event is one of the busiest days of the year for the 1st Carp Scouts. Usually held the same day as the Carp Santa Claus Parade, it’s a day when the scouts go door-to-door across Carp collecting food donations for the West Carleton Food Access Centre (WCFAC).

Last year West Carleton Online went with the troop and witnessed firsthand an entire floor disappear under a sea of grocery bags. The event is a partnership between the 1st Carp Scouts, the Anglican Parish of Huntley, St. Paul’s Church and the WCFAC.

It’s a huge food fundraiser. Of course, it can’t happen this year. For one, food banks cannot accept food donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

So the scouts are moving their long-standing tradition online for their first annual West Carleton Virtual Holiday Food Drive.

“The 1st Carp Scouts, in partnership with Huntley Community Association (HCA) and Huntley Centennial Public School, host an annual Holiday Food Drive in December and we won’t let COVID-19 stop us, the Scouts released in a statement. “This year we are combining forces again to host a virtual food drive for the WCFAC. The WCFAC is not accepting direct food donations this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but will be accepting monetary donations to allow them to buy the necessary food, gifts and supplies for families in need this Holiday season in the West Carleton area. Please strongly consider making a donation to our Virtual Holiday Food Drive.”

The 1st Carp Scouts have set a goal of $3,500 which will support seven families (with children) in need this holiday season.

“This year, more than ever, families have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and will rely on the generous donations of others and the services of the WCFAC,” the Scouts said. “Let’s support the mission of the WCFAC: to provide healthy nutritious food and basic necessities to the residents of West Carleton. Please donate any amount you can spare this year and pass this link to others to donate as well. Any donation over $20 will generate an automatic tax receipt.”

For more information or to make a donation towards the 1st Carp Scouts fundraiser, click here.