By Guest Contributor

Fishing for Food Banks 2020

Companies Partner to Raise Funds for Meadow Lake Food Bank

Sep 21, 2020 | 10:49 AM

Len Thompson Lure’s #FishingForFoodBanks2020 Fundraiser Reels in $1000 Food Bank Donation

When the owners of Alberta based Len Thompson Lures realized the depth of the COVID19 Pandemic, they wanted to do their small part to help.

“As with so many businesses, we were very slow during the spring. But we wanted to keep our staff not only physically healthy, but mentally and financially healthy as well,” said company President Brad Pallister. “My sister and I wondered how we could keep people busy while also helping families struggling with the economic impacts of this unprecedented time.”

The Pallister siblings thought that their nationally distributed fishing lure products could generate interest across the country. Six unique, limited edition lures were created and 50% of the sales of these items were to be donated to community food banks.

“In the first weekend, we sold almost 700 lures. The response really did take us by surprise,” said Jessica Pallister-Dew, the company’s Marketing Manager. “The very next week, we loaded Brad’s truck up with groceries and delivered them to our food banks in Lacombe and Blackfalds.”

High-stakes flight

Canadians gather to watch Artemis II moon launch

14h ago

From the Battlefords to Victoria, B.C. and back

Century-old artifacts return home to Poundmaker Cree Nation

14h ago

Junior Hockey

OLCN Scouts play underdogs to win inaugural USPHL Premier Alberta Division title

15h ago

So far, seventeen communities have been aided and nearly $13,000 has been raised on behalf of the campaign. Smaller to mid sized communities with a rich history of fishing, hunting, the outdoor conservation activities have generally been the recipients of the donations.

On Thursday September 17, the Doors of Hope food bank was the third stop on a donation tour that is wrapping up the summer long campaign. The Pallister siblings have loaded up their 25 year old holiday trailer with $2500 worth of groceries, a cheque for each food bank and a plan to visit nine communities and ten food banks in eight days. The St. Paul, AB and Cold Lake, AB food banks also received a $750 donation each as the first two stops in the campaign for total donations of $2500 on the tour thus far.

“Northeast Saskatchewan have not only been strong supporters of Len Thompson Lures, but of the outdoors and conservation,” said Pallister. “The Meadow Lake Door of Hope Food Bank does such important work for their community, and we are excited to drop off $250 worth of groceries and a $750 cheque to help in their efforts.”

Not only were funds provided by Len Thompson Lures, but local fishing tackle retailer The Generals Bait and Tackle also helped to double the donation from $500 to $1000 by purchasing the limited edition lures. “Len Thompson Lures are one of my best selling lures in the store,” said owner Dennis Baldinus. “It feels great to bring in the Food Bank Lures because it is a product that our customers will love as they are new and unique, but it also helps support the food bank.”

The response from the anglers and the community has been so positive, the company decided to make the campaign last until September 30th. The Fishing for Food Banks Lures are available on the company’s online webstore, or while available at The Generals Bait and Tackle in Meadow Lake.

____________________________________________________________________________________

About Thompson-Pallister Bait Co. Ltd: Established in 1929, Len Thompson Lures is a 4^th generation family owned and operated, Canadian manufacturer. The company’s staff hand craft each of their nearly 1 million items distributed each year throughout North America from their production facility in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada.

Further information: www.lenthompson.com/fishing-for-food-banks.html or Brad Pallister, President at 403-877-0282.