Lanark County Paramedics aim to ‘Stuff the Ambulance’ once again during holiday food drive

Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) is calling on residents to help “Stuff the Ambulance” during its annual Holiday Food Drive this weekend — a long-running tradition that has become one of the region’s largest seasonal contributions to local food banks.

On Dec. 6 and 7, 2025, paramedics, volunteers, and families will be stationed outside various Independent Grocers locations across the county to gather non-perishable food and monetary donations as part of the ‘Build a Mountain of Food’ campaign, which supports food banks from Perth to Carleton Place and Smiths Falls.

“This drive plays a vital role in helping families during the holiday season,” LCPS said in a press release on Tuesday, Dec. 2, noting that every donation collected is “eagerly anticipated and immensely appreciated” by food bank partners each year.

Residents can drop off contributions at the following locations:

Saturday, Dec. 6
• Smiths Falls Independent Grocer — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7
• Carleton Place Independent Grocer — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Perth Independent Grocer — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Almonte Independent Grocer — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Paramedics with LCPS will be on scene with an ambulance at each site, inviting families to help fill their ambulances with donations. All donations collected will be distributed to local food banks through the Build a Mountain of Food campaign, ensuring they have enough supplies to support households throughout the winter months ahead.

Organizers emphasize that every contribution, “big or small,” helps make a meaningful difference for families in need.

“Let’s come together again this year to fill the ambulances and carry forward this long-standing tradition of compassion and community spirit,” encouraged LCPS.