588,000 pounds of food collected for 2021 Business Cares Food Drive

“We knew the will is always there, but we are so humbled that our community chose to find a way," said Wayne Dunn, the campaign's chair, in a statement.

Days after issuing an urgent call for donations, Londoners have pulled through again for the annual holiday Business Cares Food Drive, in support of the London Food Bank.

Roughly 588,000 pounds worth of food was collected over the course of the 2021 campaign, which began on the weekend of Dec. 3 and wrapped up on Wednesday.

In a statement, campaign chair Wayne Dunn said officials weren’t sure whether Londoners would be able to support the campaign as they have done in years past, given concerns about the pandemic, rising food costs, and other economic uncertainties.

“We knew the will is always there, but we are so humbled that our community chose to find a way,” Dunn said.

“I say it every year, because it’s always proven true — London businesses, employees, and citizens always answer the call when people are in need.”

The total is over 100,000 pounds shy of the record set in 2020, however officials stated at the outset of the campaign that, like last year, there was no concrete goal in mind.

“For the second consecutive year, we’ve approached this campaign not knowing what the end result would be,” Dunn said in a statement.

“But in spite of another year of COVID-related challenges, Londoners came through. This is truly a celebration of our community and the resolve Londoners have to support those who need it most.”