In 2010, the Anglican Parish of St. Aidan and St. Bartholomew started a food bank to help close a significant gap in services on the Sunshine Coast.
Open from 1 to 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month, the food bank prepares and distributes hampers of food for single-person households all the way up to five- and six-person households, no questions asked. The food bank is run entirely by volunteers from the church and the surrounding community and is funded entirely by donations.
During its first year, the food bank served a modest average of 30 clients every month at a similarly modest cost of approximately $300. However, its current monthly numbers have swelled to an average clientele of 80, raising average monthly costs to $650.
The volunteers who run the food bank and prepare the hampers are thrilled to be providing this much-needed service, and it is naturally gratifying that so many people are helped by it. However, the unfortunate reality is that although the food bank is staunchly supported by a number of local businesses and individuals, funding has not increased as dramatically as the number of clientele. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the food bank to restock its shelves.
Please consider making a donation of non-perishable food items which can be dropped off at St. Bart's. Cheques can be made out to The Anglican Parish of St. Aidan & St. Bartholomew (with "food bank" in the memo line). Tax receipts are available upon request.
Visit the church at 659 North Rd. in Gibsons, call 604-886-7410, email [email protected] or see www.stbartschurch.ca for more information.
- Submitted
