The Centre Wellington Food Bank is moving.
A significant increase in the number of clients served over the past year and the resulting need for more space has forced the Food Bank to seek new accommodation.
It will still operate out of its current location on St. Andrew Street East until the end of September, when it will move to the Fergus Marketplace building, on Queen Street West.
Plans are already underway for the official re-opening, scheduled for early October.
“We’re very excited about the move, but it presents us with some pretty significant challenges,” said newly elected chairman Jackie Andrews, who has been a volunteer and board member for several years, and has watched it grow in response to increasing need.
The new home is wheelchair accessible and on one floor – but it’s basically four walls. It’s now up to the staff, volunteers and supporters to make it usable for volunteers and clients – and that is not going to be easy, said Andrews.
“We’re a not-for-profit organization, so we don’t have scads of cash to hand to an interior designer or to a building contractor,” said Andrews. “Everything we do has to be done on a shoestring.”
The list the Food Bank needs to make the move a success is not long, but according to newly appointed manager, Fred Aleksandrowicz, himself a long-time volunteer, it is critical.
“It’s mostly people – some very special people,” said Aleksandrowicz. “We need a qualified carpenter, plumber, and electrician. And we need them to volunteer their time and expertise during the last half of July and into August.”
“My wife, Brenda, and I have been with the organization for a long time, and over the years we’ve been utterly amazed at the generosity and talent some people display.”
The Food Bank also needs some presentable matching office furniture.
“I routinely meet with clients and people representing various companies and organizations within Centre Wellington, and it’d be nice to offer them a decent seat when they visit,” said Aleksandrowicz.
Some material for curtains is welcome, too. Already there is a team of volunteers assigned the task of designing the space and deciding where each piece of equipment will go. Much of the labour and all of the moving chores will be taken on by the organization’s volunteers and board members.
Said Andrews, “When Oct. 1 rolls around, we want to be open and ready for business.”
Anyone who wants to help is invited to contact Aleksandrowicz, at 519-787-1401.
