The number of people in the community struggling to provide for their families is increasing, according to statistics collected by the Centre Wellington Food Bank. The need for help has increased substantially and food bank clients now include 31 children under two, compared to nine at this time last year.
A total of 165 new clients have registered up to the end of October, the largest increase the food bank has ever seen and 49 more than in 2012. This brings the number of individuals assisted by the food bank in the last 12 months to over 900.
The food bank’s holiday programs offer a number of different ways that individuals, groups and businesses can assist the most vulnerable and marginalized neighbours.
The Christmas Angel Program supplies gifts for a child or a group of siblings who might otherwise go without. The donations need to be ready by Dec. 11. Contact the food bank to get involved.
Starting in December, the annual Scotiabank-sponsored CWFB Turkey Drive tickets go on sale at the Fergus branch, 201 St. Andrew Street West.
Each $20 ticket will provide a festive turkey dinner to food bank clients – and Scotiabank will match that donation up to a total of $5,000.
For information on the Christmas Angel Program or contributing for the holiday season, call 519-787-1401, info@cwfoodbank.org or visit www.cwfoodbank.org.
