An annual fundraiser to collect toilet paper for local food banks is looking to surpass its previous year’s total for the fourth time in a row.
TP North Bay will be kicking off its eighth campaign this weekend, hoping to build off a successful fundraiser in 2020 that was delayed because of the pandemic.
“We’ve had great support seven years now and here’s hoping our eighth year sees great support from North Bay,” said Ellen Faulkner, Chair of TP North Bay.
Last year’s fundraiser was pushed from its usual time during the spring to the fall because of the pandemic. Faulkner says organizers considered skipping the year altogether until the North Bay Food Bank offered to help in the event.
2020’s campaign collected over 26,000 rolls of toilet paper. This year, Faulkner says every food bank in the city is on board with the drive.
“They are glad that we are now doing it and they’re on board again this year,” she said.
TP North Bay was conceived when Faulkner heard of a similar fundraiser in Kingston, Ontario. At the time, she noticed a need in North Bay.
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I know back in 2014, the manager of the food bank would go out and buy 48 rolls of toilet paper every Thursday,” Faulkner explained. “They gave two rolls to each client. If you were client 25, there would be no toilet paper for you.”
Faulkner then assembled a group of friends and began collecting toilet paper for those who need it every year since.
“It puts a smile on my face. It’s great to see the community come on board and help,” she said.
There will be specially-marked boxes at participating grocery stores and pharmacies in the city where donations for toilet paper will be accepted. Business partnerships and e-transfer donations are also being accepted.
Faulkner hopes the community support continues for TP North Bay during a time when it’s needed.
“With this pandemic that is here. So many people have lost their jobs and they have had to turn to the food banks,” she noted.
While TP North Bay’s goal is officially 20,000 rolls, Faulkner hopes to surpass last year’s total for donations, but acknowledges “anything is better than nothing.” The group has had an increase in donations every year for the past three.
Donations will open on May 1 and will run until May 31. For more information on where to donate, visit TP North Bay’s Facebook page.
