As we came through Christmas at the Food Bank, we had nearly stripped the food bank clean of inventory to fill the Christmas Hampers. It’s not that the community wasn’t donating. In fact, the community continued to support the food bank with generosity throughout the Fall. At any given time we still had about 2 weeks of food on the shelves which meant that the community was keeping pace with the need that had increased by up to 40% from the previous year. (this, however, is very different than any of the previous 20 years plus of operating the Food Bank. Up until last spring before the Christmas in July campaign, we would normally have more than a month’s food in stock) The challenge we were facing was that we were preparing for another increase in families at Christmas, when typically, we provide extra food. As a result we used almost all the inventory in the Food Bank and bought more than we ever had before. 1,687 families received Christmas Hampers – an 18.5% increase over last Christmas. This is down from what we anticipated and we hope that means good things for the families who we expected to show and didn’t.
As we came into the last couple of weeks of December, we had real concerns that we wouldn’t have enough food to get us through the winter. Typically the donations from the community at Christmas time will fill hampers through until the end of April or May. Looking at the inventory now, we feel confident that the donations from the community will hold us until the beginning of April.
I wish each person who lives in the Tri-cities could see this community from SHARE’s point of view and witness the generosity and compassion. While donations across the country are reported to be down, this was not SHARE’s experience. You rallied to meet the increased need at the Food Bank and you contributed more toys than ever. 1,623 children received toys this Christmas; 12% more than last year.
We are still processing financial contributions. Again, the community is incredibly generous. We continue to be humbled, awestruck and grateful to be part of the TriCities. It’s a community in which it is clear that people care about each other and the quality of life we all experience.
Each donation given to SHARE, including time, expertise, goods and funds are important and appreciated. I want to take this opportunity to make particular mention of Andres winery so that you know they continue to support our community. Their donation of their warehouse space makes it possible for us to run the Christmas programs. The Knights of Columbus pack and distribute hampers for families in Port Coquitlam. And, Wesbild, with their support, makes it possible for us to operate the Food Bank year round. These people are partners with us so that we can deliver Christmas programs to the people in the TriCities. So too are you.
You helped families in great need such as,
- the mother of two who is battling cancer and too ill to leave her home
- the father who had prepared his teenagers to have no Christmas, then he turned to the Food Bank and received a hamper and gifts specifically for teenagers
- the desperate plea from a family support worker in a neighbouring community who was about to go purchase bread and peanut butter for a mother and child who had nothing. Instead she took them a hamper with fresh produce, food a gift certificate and toys.
It is a priviledge to see our community from SHARE’s point of view. In my view, the outpouring of support for those who need a helping hand in this community makes the Tri-cities unique and very special. Thank you for your contribution to the quality of life we all share.
-Heather Scott
Director of Development