Great Holiday
Food Drive
The Great Holiday Food Drive is back for it’s 21st year on December 12!
This event is an annual tradition where community comes together to support neighbours in need by donating non-perishable food items at participating grocery stores and schools, and at Market Square (91 King St) in St. Catharines from 6am to 6pm.
If your group, business, school or team would like to participate in this event by hosting your own food drive leading up to the big day, please connect with our Communications + Events Coordinator, Jess, at communications@communitycarestca.ca to get started!
Market Square Activities
Everything happening at our "hub" on event day!
From shopping cart races to art installations, complimentary coffee, baked goods and food truck eats, to memorable moments and sing-a-longs, there are plenty of reasons to visit on December 12!
Market Square at a glance:
7:00am-9:00am
Art Feeding Niagara
A collabortive art challenge featuring The Post Office by Shannon Passero and other groups.
9:00am-11:00am
Jingle Jamboree Music Showcase
Featuring Harriet Tubman Elementary School, Governor Simcoe Secondary School, Sir Winston Secondary School.
12:00pm
Great Shopping Cart Race – Team check-in
10:00pm-12:45pm
Great Shopping Cart Race – Cart prep
Santa to make a special appearance around 1:00pm!
1:00pm
Great Shoppingt Cart Race – Races Commence!
Hosted by Justin Dubé
1:30pm
Grat Shopping Cart Race – Winners announced
5:00pm-6:00pm
Holiday Sing-a-Long & Dance Showcase
Featuring Ballet Etc. and Laura Secord Secondary School.
Every Donation Makes a Difference
Please consider donating non-perishable food items, gift cards and/or making a monetary contribution in person at Community Care offices or on December 12 at Market Square.
Where to drop off donations
- Market Square: 6am-6pm. Stop in or use our drive through zone!
- Community Care Thorold Location: 19 Albert St W.
- Community Care St. Catharines Location: 12 North St.
- Donation Barrels in most grocery stores – see all locations below!
- The Great Holiday Food Drive Express Bus will be making its way around St. Catharines and Thorold to collect donations! All are welcome to visit pickup locations at the scheduled bus arrival times, or, drop off non-perishable goods in the donation barrels at any of the included locations throughout the day.
Local schools Gracefield Public and Woodland Public are participating and will have the Holiday Express bus visit to collect their donations on event day – with a very special guest riding along!
For monetary donations, please note you are eligible for a tax receipt for contributions over $10. If you would like a tax receipt please place donation in an envelope with your name, number and address and we will mail it to you at a later date.
most needed items – for holiday meals and beyond!
Canned: tuna, pasta, spaghetti sauce, cranberry sauce, gravy
Other: cereal (hot and cold), fruit cups, boxed stuffing, instant potatoes, mac n cheese
THE GREAT SHOPPING CART RACE
In response to the fast-growing need in Community Care’s food bank, we are asking the Niagara Community to get in the holiday racing spirit and join us to compete in the second annual “Great Shopping Cart Race” in support of Community Care’s Great Holiday Food Drive Campaign! 🛒💨
🗓 Friday, December 12, 2025
⏰ 1pm start
📍 Market Square: 91 King Street, St. Catharines
🎁🎊 Prizes available!
‼️ Limited team spots!
📝 HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Gather a team of 5 – this can be within your company, organization, or a group of family members and friends!
2. Create a team name, team theme (including décor and costume), and choose your fight song (the song you will race to). Have fun with this, the more outrageous, the better! 😋
3. There is no registration fee, but we are asking teams to commit to collecting food and/or monetary donations for The Great Holiday Food Drive Campaign. 🥫
4. Apply via the Google Form linked above.
5. If your team is selected, arrive at Market Square on Friday December 12 at 12pm to check in, hand in your donations and start decorating your shopping cart. Shopping carts are provided by Zehrs, but you are responsible for bringing your decorations and costumes.
6. Races start at noon. Teams race one at a time. Race is roughly 2 minutes in length.
7. Racers must get their cart (with one team member in the cart) from start to finish through a series of obstacles – let the hilarity ensue!
8. Prizes will be awarded for:
– Best overall theme/spirit
– Most donations collected
– Race winners
9. Bring your supporters to cheer you on and get in the holiday spirit. Giving back to the community while having fun is a win win!
ART FEEDING NIAGARA
A collaborative Art Showcase as part of the 21st Annual Great Holiday Food Drive Campaign.
🗓 Friday, December 12 2025
⏰ 7am-9am
📍 Market Square: 91 King Street, St. Catharines
JINGLE JAMBOREE
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with music!?❄️🎶 We are beyond excited for our Jingle Jamboree Music Showcase as part of our 21st Annual Great Holiday Food Drive!✨
🗓 Friday, December 12 2025
⏰ 9:00am-11:00am
📍 Market Square: 91 King Street, St. Catharines
HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG
As part of the 21st Annual Great Holiday Food Drive Campaign.
🗓 Friday, December 12 2025
⏰ 5 – 6pm
📍 Market Square: 91 King Street, St. Catharines
Donate