Tis the season for giving… and ugly sweaters!

December 18th was National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and two city firms decided to embrace the event with gusto. What began as a friendly taunt from another area firm, started a rivalry that resulted in a win/win for the Brantford Food Bank.

It started when a Brantford legal firm challenged Millards Chartered Professional Accountants to a food donation dual. The Partners and employees at the prestigious law office of Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon, challenged Millards Partners and staff to collect the most food items for the Brantford Food Bank. In a competition to be decided by the total weight of donations, the losers would buy the winners a pizza lunch.

Shelley Keats organized the food drive and Ugly Sweater Day on behalf of Millards.

“I’m proud of our partners and staff. We have a caring team that raised $2,245 in cash and 586 pounds of food. Our cash donation converted to an additional 898 pounds of food for those in need”

In a battle that went the distance, the 2015 winner by a nose was Millards with 1,484 pounds.Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon came in a very close second collecting 1,262 pounds of food.

Victoria Harrison from Waterous conceived and initiated the unique challenge in 2014. Waterous won last year’s challenge. Harrison from Waterous says they’ll honour their pizza promise but Millards should be prepared to accept defeat in 2016.

“We have had a few friendly competitions with Millards over the years and we hope that this one will continue as an annual event so that we can return the title to it’s rightful owners. Of course there are no losers when it comes to raising donations and awareness for such an important cause. We have a lot in common with Millards and our Partners and employees share the same values and dedication to the community.”

Both area firms decided that the food drive would culminate on National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day with employees and partners donning their best ugly sweaters in support of the food drive.

According to Keats, “the Millards team dug deep into the dark recesses of their clothing drawers to exhume long forgotten holiday classics. Our group photo speaks for itself” 

Heather Vanner, Executive Director at Brantford Food Bank says that corporate campaigns like this one help contribute to an important and urgent need in our community.

“December is a busy month for these programs, with over 2,000 Christmas Food Hampers expected to be delivered to Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations; along with approximately 1,200 households being supported by the Food Bank. The Brantford Food Bank and Christmas Baskets programs are in urgent need of monetary donations to ensure families in the area will not go hungry this Christmas.”

Vanner hopes to reach individuals as well as corporations in search of donations.

“We naturally think to give at this time of year. I am asking our community to think of families and children in need. I hope people can reach a little deeper to help us be sure everyone can have a Happy Holiday.”

Click here to learn more about the Brantford Food Bank and how you can help.