Saint John man straps fridge on his back to raise awareness about food insecurity

It’s not a sight you’re prepared to see, nor is it one you’re likely to forget.

For the past few weeks, Jesse Wright has been walking around Saint John, N.B., with a small fridge strapped to his back in order to raise awareness about food insecurity

“To remind people that, ‘Hey, you can afford a meal out, some people couldn’t even afford a meal in.’ So, think about that,” he said.

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His campaign, dubbed Uptown Fridge, urges people to think about the burden Canadians have to carry and to donate money when they can.

In just a couple of months, Wright has covered 160 km and collected more than $2,000 in donations for local programs. He said his goal is to either walk 1,000 km or raise $10,000 — or both.

His route zig-zags across the city, ensuring he gets maximum exposure.

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“It quickly evolved into a metaphor and since then, it has become a tiny vision of the future for food security in Saint John,” he said.

Mary LeSage, a navigator with PULSE, an organization that helps low-income residents in the city, said Wright’s hard work has already helped local families. A donation of over $500 went towards a food program and buying after-school snacks.

“(They) are just ecstatic to get that (assistance) because they don’t always have that extra $25 to put out for fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said.

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