Each year, the spirit of Waterloo Region shines brightest when we come together—and this Festival season was no exception. The Onkel Hans Food Drive and Stuff A Bus events saw an incredible outpouring of generosity, reminding us just how strong and caring our community truly is.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the Kitchener Rangers, CTV Kitchener, Pillers, Ontario Turkey, Grand River Transit, Fairview Park Mall, and Centre In The Square, thousands of our neighbours will feel the impact of your kindness.
This year, community support reached new heights:
- 10,191 lbs of food collected
- $12,765.66 raised
- 34,024 meals provided
- 1.4 million+ meals contributed since the very first Onkel Hans Food Drive
These numbers tell a powerful story—but the real magic lies in the people behind them. The volunteers who bundled up to help. The families who added a few extra cans to their cart. The businesses and partners who rallied their teams and spread the word. Every action, big and small, added up to meaningful support for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
To everyone who donated, volunteered, filled a bus, or simply shared the message: danke schön. Your generosity helps nourish our community year-round and strengthens the heart of Waterloo Region.
The Onkel Hans Food Drive is a proud and essential part of the Oktoberfest Cares program—an initiative dedicated to giving back, supporting local charities, and creating accessible, family-friendly experiences that keep traditions alive for all.
Trina Stewart is the Editor and Publisher of Living Local Magazine. Originally from Cambridge, Ontario, Trina loves exploring the area and embracing the activities, events, and local businesses.
