Æ

Newsroom

Lanark County Paramedics And Community Volunteers Collect 87 Boxes Of Food And $3,554 For Local Food Banks

December 12, 2025

Lanark County, Ontario – The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) proudly wrapped up another successful Annual “Fill the Ambulance with Food” Holiday Food Drive on December 6 and 7, 2025, continuing a cherished community tradition that brings together paramedics, volunteers, and residents to support families in need during the holiday season.

Thanks to the generosity and community spirit across Lanark County, LCPS collected:

· 87 boxes of non-perishable food and essential items
(including diapers and toilet paper)

· $3,554.00 in monetary donations

All donations will support local food banks through the Build a Mountain of Food campaign, which plays an essential role in meeting seasonal demand and ensuring local families have access to vital supplies during the holidays.

This year’s food drive brought strong community participation, with LCPS paramedics and their families joined by volunteers from across the region, including members of the U-15 Lanark United Girls Volleyball Team, the Carleton Place Canadians Junior B Hockey Team, and the U-11 Mississippi Thunder Kings Hockey Team. Their energy and enthusiasm contributed to another outstanding year of collections.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of residents across Lanark County,” said LCPS Chief Travis Mellema. “Every donation, whether it’s a can of food or a financial gift, helps ensure families have what they need this holiday season. We are proud of our paramedics, volunteers, and community partners who come together year after year to make this event such a success.”

The Annual Holiday Food Drive is a cornerstone of LCPS’s commitment to the communities it serves. While LCPS paramedics deliver emergency medical care 24/7, their dedication extends far beyond the ambulance. Events like this showcase their ongoing efforts to strengthen community wellbeing, support local agencies, and help meet essential needs during the busiest time of year for food banks.

LCPS extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated, volunteered, and participated this year. Your contributions help brighten the holiday season for families in need across Lanark County.

-30-

Media Contact:
Caitlin O’Hara, Communications Lead
Mississippi River Health Alliance

613-621-9638
caohara@mrha.ca

About Lanark County Paramedic Service

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) provides essential pre-hospital emergency medical care to residents and visitors across Lanark County. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, LCPS paramedics are the first point of contact for many in emergency situations, responding to a wide range of medical and trauma-related calls. With a strong commitment to innovation, professionalism, and community partnerships, LCPS is dedicated to enhancing the health and safety of the region. For more information, visit www.lanarkcountyparamedicservice.ca.

About the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA)

The Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) was formed in 2016 to formalize and strengthen collaboration between the Almonte General Hospital Corporation—which includes Almonte General Hospital (AGH), Fairview Manor (FVM), and the Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) and the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Corporation (CPDMH). This partnership delivers seamless, high-quality healthcare that addresses the evolving needs of local communities. Together, the MRHA is building an integrated healthcare system that provides comprehensive care close to home, enhancing access and improving health outcomes throughout the region. For more information visit www.MRHA.ca.