Despite wallets getting thin and bank accounts shrinking because of holiday spending, the residents of Moose Jaw didn't skimp out in helping people in need just before Christmas. 

The 8th annual Good-buy to Hunger Campaign took place this week, which is made possible by a partnership between Golden West Radio, CP Rail and the Moose Jaw Co-op.

All proceeds of this initiative support the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank who supply food hampers to those who require assistance in our city. 

"I believe this is the 8th year that this has been going on, so it keeps getting better and better with more awareness every year, which is helpful to keep us stocked up," said Deann Little, with the food bank. "We're just thankful that the community continues to support events like this and the Holiday Train is always a spectacular event."

All sides of the partnership who made this possible were overwhelmed by the contributions of local people.

"A big thank you to everyone in Moose Jaw who supported this amazing event and I looked forward to it next year and growing it even bigger," said Gabriel Belanger with CP Rail.

Rick Cartman, Grocery Manager at the Co-op, helped tally the number of prepackaged food bags that were purchased by residents as they passed through the tills at the grocery store, and was excited to share the final total on Friday afternoon. 

"We had 540 bags up to point, which last year we had 480. So we had a big improvement from last year and it's been growing ever since."

Everyone who sponsored a prepackaged food bag was entered into a contest for a chance to ride on the Holiday Train with the performers from Regina to Moose Jaw on Saturday evening. 

The lucky winner was drawn on Friday afternoon at the Co-op was Moose Jaw's Karie-Anne Caverhill winning the ride.