TORONTO — Recognizing the critical need for food bank donations in their community, the team at Expedia Cruises Orangeville decided to take action.

The agency’s manager Jayne Phillips, has launched a great giving-back initiative: for every booking made between Sept. 25 – Oct. 9, Expedia Cruises Orangeville will be making donations to the local food bank on behalf of their clients.

And not just any items, but those crucial food products that the food bank needs most. Phillips toured the food bank herself, and she was “overwhelmed and impressed with their facility and all they do for the community. She is the driver behind this initiative,” Expedia Cruises franchise partner Jane Vogel told Travelweek.

Says Vogel: “With Thanksgiving season coming up, my manager Jayne Phillips and I wanted to help out our local food bank which is in great need of food. Our food bank plays a vital role in helping vulnerable individuals and families access nutritious meals in Orangeville. The food bank has asked us for specific items they are very short on. Us helping the food bank helps our community.”

Expedia Cruises Orangeville is also hosting a donation drive to collect non-perishable food items. The drive also takes place Sept. 25 – Oct. 9, and the Expedia Cruises Orangeville agency will be the drop-off location.

“It is so difficult right now for so many people,” says Vogel. “We are always posting pictures of people travelling and having fun exploring the world, while many cannot afford food for their families. We are all not in the same situation and now that our industry is back to business we felt strongly that we need to help out!”

Vogel added that people can visit the agency in person to donate, or donate online. Online contributions will earn a tax receipt. The agency’s goal is $500 for online donations.