One of the local charity efforts we support on an annual basis is called Running on Empties. This event is organized by the Caring and Sharing Exchange in Ottawa each year in time for the Christmas season. During this event, the Exchange partners with Local Beer Stores (these stores accept empty beer and liquor bottles for cash) for a one-day event to encourage patrons of the Beer Stores to donate some or all of their bottle returns to the Christmas Hamper Fund in Ottawa. Most Beer Store outlets participate, and are assisted by service clubs, school groups and individuals who set up outside the store to encourage donations throughout the store opening hours.
Our Club participates annually at the Stittsville Beer Store outlet, and this year was part of the Ottawa effort that raised almost $20,000 to provide Christmas Food Hampers and/or vouchers to families in need. The following is the email from the Caring and Sharing Exchange identifying the success of the program.
As you might expect, we are very proud of our work in support of such undertakings throughout the year, and we do our utmost to let the community know how valuable service clubs are to the well being of the communities they serve.
