Food has a powerful way of bringing people together.
Few people know that better than Dougie Luv, owner of Dougie Dog which sells premium hot dogs across Metro Vancouver from his food truck which was has been voted the city’s most popular.
So that’s why the affable Luv decided to drive his four-wheeled kitchen to the Richmond News office next Friday (April 4), along with two fellow food truck vendors, to not only share his food with customers, but spread the word about supporting a cause that’s close to his heart — the Nite Of Hope Richmond’s cancer fundraiser.
“My sister, Pamela, passed away at 26 years old from ovarian cancer,” Luv said, switching from his regular larger than life persona to almost hushed tones. “She was the baby of the family of five kids, and it was really hard losing her. Cancer is touching everybody around the world.”
That’s why Luv is making a return visit to the News’ office in support of the Nite Of Hope Gala which runs April 8 at the River Rock Show Theatre.
“People have to remember that bringing the food trucks out to Richmond is really a community event and we need people to come out and support it,” Luv said. “It’s only once a year that this happens. And this is a chance people should not really miss out.”
Joining Luv’s Dougie Dog food truck next Friday will be Reel Mac & Cheese and The Aussie Pie Guy.
Both operations have their own cancer stories to share.
“Every family has been touched by cancer. I’ve lost two uncles to cancer. And my husband, Perry, his family has been inundated by cancer. So, basically, anything we can do to help we would love to do,” said Suzanne Poudrier, who runs the Reel Mac & Cheese food truck.
Matthew Fitzhardinge, one of three partners who started running The Aussie Pie Guy nine months ago said one of his employees just lost their grandmother to cancer, and he lost an uncle.
“With the sheer number of people who have been impacted by cancer, this is a great cause to support,” said Fitzhardinge who is originally from Perth in Western Australia. “And we are excited to come out to Richmond, a place that’s not really on our list of destinations for the truck, and meet some new people and spread the word about what we do, and a great charity effort.”
“We have to be very selective about the events we support, but the Nite of Hope is something we want to do all the time,” added Luv. “And bringing all these food trucks in here, making it a fun effort, and having some amazing food is what it’s all about.
“We’re looking forward to big numbers,” he said.
Last year, Luv raised more than $1,000 from his visit to the News.
“And last year I committed to doubling that donation to the Nite of Hope. This is something that’s very near and dear to our hearts.”
The event carries the hash tag #foodtrucks4hope and the food will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Richmond News (5731 No. 3 Road across from the Cactus Club).
Those wanting to sample the great street cuisine can park for a short time in the Lansdowne Centre parking lot, then make the short walk to the News’ office.
For more information about the Nite of Hope Richmond, visit niteofhope.com.
