Results of Salmar Theatre’s Star Wars promotion were out of this world.
Thanks to the generosity of local movie-goers, more than $3,600 will be split between Second Harvest and the Salvation Army Food Bank.
That amount represents an impressive 10 per cent of popcorn sales at Salmar Theatre concessions from Dec. 18 to Jan. 17.
“Our main focus was on 10 per cent of popcorn sales being donated to the food banks and we had prize draws for people who bought from the concession,” says Salmar manager Daila Duford, noting food bank donations were well up over last year’s promotion. “It’s incredible how much popcorn we went through, but Star Wars was huge. It’s the most successful we’ve ever been at getting actual food donations.”
Duford says one group of some 170 friends rented the theatre for the private showing and raised another $300 by passing around a bucket.
“Wow! Second Harvest is extremely grateful for everything that the Salmar does for us and for our community,” said enthusiastic Second Harvest co-ordinator Diana Mangold. “The generous donation will help many local families in their time of need.”
Last Thursday, David Byers community services co-ordinator for the Salvation Army, said he was amazed by the donation, particularly since the food bank had served more than 200 people that day.
Meanwhile, Duford is grateful to several local businesses who donated excellent prizes for the Star Wars promotion.
“Askew’s donated a big food basket and gave us a discount on gift cards as well, so that added to our total,” said an enthusiastic Duford, pointing out she and Salmar staff are busy putting together an entry package together for Show Canada, an annual movie industry conference.
An entry based on a Box Trolls promotion held to celebrate Salmar’s 65th anniversary took top prize at Show Canada last year.
