Ladner United Church and friends presented the South Delta Food Bank with a cheque for more than $4,000 last week as a way of giving back, but to also stress the importance of helping out the food bank all year long.
Rev. Jim Short said the church started the collection drive in December, but realizing that’s a huge month of giving, told its congregation the money and food collected would be presented in January during a normally leaner month of donating.
A goal of $3,000 worth of food, gift cards and cash was met after the church and other “friends” collected $250 in food, $250 worth of gift cards and $3,700 in cash.
“Our goal was to stock the food bank for the lean months,” said Short. “The cash gives the food bank more buying power and allows them to go out and source things that people really need like vegetables and fresh milk. I understand the food bank serves about 100 families per week and it has been increasing. It’s my wish that we are as generous in January and throughout the year, as we are in December, because the hunger issue doesn’t change.”
Short is hoping other churches and community groups will also take on this challenge.
“It would be kind of fun if every church or organization said they would take one month and let that be their special month of collections and donations for the food bank.”
Joe Vanessen, volunteer coordinator with the food bank, said the donation from the Ladner church is very much appreciated.
“When it’s Christmas time the giving is awesome. The community is all on board,” said Vanessen. “At other times of the year it is down a bit, but to be quite honest with you, we live in a community that is very supportive throughout the year and really stands behind us.
“I have been a volunteer here for 25 years now. The first few years we always seemed to be running short, our shelves were actually empty and we had to reach out to the Surrey or Vancouver food banks, but in the last 10 to 15 years things have changed. The support we receive is very strong and we are very thankful.”
