ACCENT INNS VICTORIA BECOMES TRUCK STOP FOR
CHRISTMAS TRUCK LIGHT PARADE!
November 9, 2006 (Victoria, BC):
Life is a highway for truckers and this year, Accent Inns in Victoria
will be "checking in" a Big Rig to aide the popular Christmas Truck
Light Parade and Food Drive. For 2 ½ days - the afternoon of November
29 to December 1, Accent Inns will be a temporary truck stop and
depot for the public to drop off items for the Capital Region's
food banks.
"As a local and family-owned company, Accent Inns is proud to be part of this terrific program that benefits the less fortunate in our community. We'd also like to "toot the horns" of the organizers at Island Equipment Owners Association who are providing a fun and spectacular family event and doing all the work - free of charge, " said John Espley, regional sales manager. "Our staff is excited about getting on board and have organized a food drive within our hotel, but we'd also like to encourage our guests and the community to get involved by offering a $15 voucher off their next stay at Accent Inns to anyone donating food at check-in or dropping off a donation for the food bank.
"It's quite the spectacle - we're expecting 80 decorated trucks, the maximum we can take, to travel along the 35 kilometer route", explains Laura Brewer of Island Equipment Owners Association, organizers of the eighth annual event that has raised approximately 80 tons of food and $20,000 for the beneficiaries. The parade route begins at Ogden Point and continues to Oak Bay, returning to Victoria and out to the West Shore communities.
The Christmas convoy was first started in 1998 by local trucker, Norm Johal, and consisted of 11 trucks. Due to the time commitment that was required, a year later Island Equipment Owners became involved. In order to maximize the collection of food items designated locations have been set up for advance drop offs and the evening of the parade.
Accent Inns is a family owned and operated chain based in Victoria, BC., with hotels located in Victoria, Vancouver Airport, Burnaby, Kelowna and Kamloops. All hotels are rated 3 1/2 star with a reputation for the accent on quality, reasonable rates and excellent service. For more information, on Accent Inns or to make a reservation, call 1-800-663-0298 or visit www.accentinns.com.
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Media Contact: Tartan Public Relations - 250-592-3838
Deirdre Campbell (deirdre@tartanpr.com) or Sarah Cotton (sarah@tartanpr.com)
