How a hearse was used to collect food donations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

A Happy Valley-Goose Bay man decided to liven things up by using a hearse to attract donations for a local food bank.

Shawn Crann, manager and funeral director at Fillatre Funeral Home, along with his co-worker Max Winsor, set up shop outside grocery stores looking for donations.

"I just figured I'd try to help out and do my part," Crann told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

Some people said, "Oh it gives me the creeps," but overall everyone was good.- Shawn Crann

Crann said he reminded shoppers on their way in: "Don't forget your food donation; drop it in the hearse on your way out."

While people are inclined to give at Christmastime, Crann said there is a need for food donations all year.

"I figured I'd try to do a massive food drive and stock their shelves really well for the upcoming summer," he said.

When asked about the peculiar idea, Crann said he likes to be creative.

"As far as I know, it's something that's never been done before … I've heard of fill the school bus out in the St. John's area for school supplies … they do fill the cabs up with coats for kids," said Crann.

"So I figured, well, why not use the hearse for something a little bit happier than having to use it at a funeral all the time."

Crann said he and Winsor collected donations from 9:30 a.m. until around 4:45 p.m. and gathered about $8,000 worth of groceries, including juice by the case and breakfast cereals.

'It makes you feel good'

While the concept is unique, Crann said most people were receptive to it.

"Some people said, 'Oh it gives me the creeps,' but overall everyone was good," he said.

Why not use the hearse for something a little bit happier than having to use it at a funeral.- Shawn Crann

After he explained what the food drive in a hearse was all about to one person, Crann said the man joked about the rising cost of groceries.

"He said, 'I thought somebody went in and saw the prices and they dropped dead,'" Crann said with a laugh. "So that was our joke for the day."

Crann said the food bank estimates they can feed three-quarters of their clients with the food collected.

That's something Crann said means a lot to him, and the people who need it.

"I actually met a guy when we were doing the food drive, [he] came up and thanked me for what I was doing and he told me he was homeless, so it kind of put a face to what I was doing," said Crann.

"He did tell me that he did use the food bank on a regular basis. So, when you see somebody like that and you're helping them, it makes you feel good."