SUDBURY -- In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community of Greater Sudbury rallied together to prove that good things can still happen.
On Tuesday, Science North and the Real Canadian Superstore presented over $15,000 and roughly 4,000 lbs of food to the Sudbury Food Bank.
A two-week food drive took place at both locations in order to attempt to beat the world record for the largest binary message made out of canned food items.
Ryan Campbell, the store manager at the grocery store, says the massive donation was a team effort.
"We had thousands of people contribute to it," Campbell said. "People made special trips in. We had radio stations, we had Science North on site doing games and trying to set mini world records. It was an absolutely amazing opportunity and experience."
The binary message, which was on display at Science North, translated to say "Science North" and took about seven hours to fully put together.
Although there hasn't been confirmation yet by Guinness World Records, Guy Labine the science centre's CEO, says this project was about so much more than winning a title.
"It's not as much about the world record. We felt to celebrate the fact that this community came together to make a $25,000 donation of canned goods and cash to the food bank," Labine said. "In a time of crisis, it's important still for us to look out for each other."
The display is expected to be taken down and transported to the Sudbury Food Bank within 24 hours.
Dan Xilon, with Banque D'Aliments Sudbury Food Banks, says this donation couldn't have come at a better time.
"We always say 'we always appreciate it and it couldn't have happened at a better time,' but this time, we can safely say with complete belief this couldn't have happened at a better time for our community then it did right now," said Xilon.
The food bank's executive director says on average, the food bank serves 8,000 people a month, but they expect that number to grow.
"We've used a four weeks supply of food in the last two and a half weeks, so we are definitely getting close to the wire. This will be a big boost," said Xilon.
"The extra help and food for the food bank during this time of need that we're in right now is incredible," said Campbell.
The restrictions and closures surrounding COVID-19 were not in place when this world record attempt started in Sudbury.
Labine says this food drive could serve as a reminder to the community.
"The food bank is an important asset in these moments of crisis and it's important for us to support the food banks," said Labine.
There is no timeline right now for when Science North will know if they broke the world record.