Spending seven nights braving the cold, wind and rain, Jim Tennant got a taste of what many less fortunate people endure everyday.
“It kind of took me to where a lot of people in the community are,” said Tennant, manager of Save-On-Foods in Vernon.
Tennant spent seven days camped out on the roof of the Village Green Centre for his second year raising funds and goods for the food bank.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, the Rooftop Food Drive collected about 15,000 pounds of food as Tennant came down Thursday morning.
“It all adds up and it sure makes a difference in our community,” said Tennant of the amount collected so far, which is close to last year’s total.
Anyone who can add to the collection can continue to drop donations off at Save-On-Foods this weekend or the Salvation Army food bank anytime.
“Hunger never sleeps and doesn’t stop the need in our communities,” reminds Tennant, who plans to continue his annual efforts again next year.
David MacBain, Salvation Army community ministries director, is overjoyed with the support and Tennant’s dedication.
“Jim, he’s got a heart of gold. He doesn’t have to do this, this is his own initiative,” said MacBain, who spent Monday and Wednesday nights up on the roof with Tennant.
After being lifted down by Armstrong Crane Thursday, the pair were thrilled to touch down and even kissed the ground.
“It’s been quite an experience, we’ve had all kinds of weather and some interesting conditions,” said Tennant, who even woke up to frost one morning, which blanketed the roof and the collection kettle he dangled down for passersby to drop some change in.
After hugging his wife and being greeted by applause from his staff, next to the stacks of food collected at Save-On-Foods, Tennant headed home for a warm shower.
