Portland Police, Mt. Hood to Reward Food Donations With Free Ski Lift Ticket

PORTLAND, OR – Give a little to get a little at Mt. Hood this week.

Celebrating the 29th annual Ski for Sunshine event, skiers and snowboarders who bring 10 eligible food items to Mt. Hood’s Skibowl West parking lot Friday could receive a free lift ticket for the day.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Portland Police Bureau’s Sunshine Division will accept food donations for people in need and offer those who donate a free lift ticket worth $51 to be used March 31.

Accepted food items include peanut butter, chili, pasta, canned meats, rice, and cereal.

"We've done this for 29 years now and are so gratified by the support we receive from our guests,” said Mt. Hood Skibowl President Kirk Hanna. "Over the years, Skibowl guests have donated over 120,000 thousand pounds of food for emergency relief, making a significant difference in the lives of Portland area families and individuals. With all the good snow, we are hoping to have a good collection this year since the need continues to grow."

The PPB’s Sunshine Division and Skibowl have collaborated to help underserved people since 1988, collecting nearly 60 tons of food in that time, according to Mt. Hood officials.

For its part, the Sunshine Division has offered food and clothing to struggling families since 1923, providing from its North Portland warehouse free food assistance and clothing relief for residents in Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties six days per week.

"The support of community partners, such as Skibowl, is the only way that we are able to continue serving so many struggling families in Portland,” said Officer Matt Tobey, Sunshine Division police liaison. "Skibowl and (its) customers have fed and clothed hundreds of families and individuals throughout the years by hosting the Ski for Sunshine events.”

For more information, call Mt. Hood Skibowl at 503-222-2695.

Photos Courtesy: Pixabay.com, Portland Police Bureau