The winter season saw an exponential increase in the demand for non-perishable food items across many food banks in Canada.
The escalating costs of essential commodities such as food, fuel, accommodation, and transportation have placed a significant burden on many individuals and families, particularly children, single mothers, international students, and seniors. Regrettably, many find themselves in the distressing situation of having insufficient funds to provide for even the most basic necessity—food.
In order to provide much-needed assistance to struggling families and individuals, the volunteers of BAPS Charities organized local food drives in 13 cities across Canada. Together, the volunteers collected more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food items which were donated to food banks across the country.
The food banks supported by BAPS Charities include:
Alberta
– Calgary Food Bank
– Edmonton’s Food Bank
British Columbia
– Surrey Food Bank
Manitoba
– Manitoba Harvest
– Samaritan House Ministry Inc.
Ontario
– Cambridge Food Bank
– Daily Bread Food Bank
– Free For All Foundation
– Kanata Food Bank
– Knights Table Food Bank
– Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
– Windsor Goodfellows
Quebec
– On the Rock Community Services
Saskatchewan
– Regina Food Bank
“We are deeply grateful for BAPS Charities’ recent donation of 3,881 lbs. of food to Daily Bread’s community food programs. Your gift is already at work, providing much-needed food for individuals and families across Toronto.” said Sacha Michna, Senior Manager, -Community Partnerships and Events at Daily Bread Food Bank. “Sadly, our neighbours are turning to food banks at an unprecedented rate due to insufficient incomes, inflation and rising costs of living. Food bank visits reached a record-breaking high of 274,000 in August 2023, and demand is still rising. It is only thanks to caring donors like you that we are able to meet this increasing demand. Your generosity speaks volumes about your commitment to the work we do to end hunger in our community. Thank you for helping ensure everyone can access the nutritious food they need to stay healthy.”
“In the aftermath of the 2019/2020 pandemic, we discovered our seniors facing food insecurity. Initially assisting 50 seniors and families, our efforts quickly gained momentum. Grateful for the community’s generosity, we’ve continued to expand our reach.” said Winston Mapp, Director and Past President of Free For All Foundation. “Every food donation is a lifeline for us. Thanks to BAPS Charities for their invaluable contribution to our mission.”
“Donations like the 700 lbs of food collected by BAPS Charities, are instrumental in meeting the increased food insecurity needs of Scarborough.” said Debra McGonegal, Director of Communications and Development, Marketing, Fund & Volunteer Development of Scarborough Centre For Healthy Communities. “Efforts like this also make SCHC and our clients feel like there are others who care for this community and reassure them that they are not alone. Thank you BAPS Charities!”
“At Cambridge Food Bank, our mission is driven by the belief that no one in our community should go hungry.” said Jamie Berube, Communication Coordinator of Cambridge Food Bank. “It is with great joy and gratitude that we share with you the support from BAPS Charities, an amazing donor helping us in the fight against food insecurity.”
“One of the real joys of the holiday season is the opportunity to say THANK YOU and to wish you happiness in the coming year. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your donation of 397 lbs. food (180 kilograms).” said Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director of Edmonton’s Food Bank. “Your support plays an important role in our ability to provide hampers to over 34,000 people and food for thousands more through meals and snacks monthly.”
“Thank you so much for your donation of food items to the Samaritan House Food Bank.” said Barbara McNish, Executive Director of Samaritan House Ministries Inc. “We appreciate you thinking of us and the people we serve. We have over 1500 households that come and get food regularly. It is because we have donors like you to support the Food Bank that we are able to supply the hampers with items of food.”
“It is with this support, that we are able to assist those less fortunate in our community. With your continued support, we will ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.” said John Bailey, CEO of Regina Food Bank. “The Regina Food Bank depends solely on community support in its work to assist individuals and families maintain a healthy, positive, quality life. Support, such as yours, helps us immensely in achieving this goal.”
“We are thrilled to announce that @baps is a mission to make a significant impact on our local community by donating over 50 lbs of non-perishable food items.” said Surrey Food Bank on its social media post. “The heart of BAPS Charities lies in the selfless service of volunteers worldwide, and this food drive is a testament to their dedication to creating better communities, nations, and ultimately, a more peaceful and just world.”
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and volunteers, we thank you for your donation of food items. Your generosity and support will help us to provide assistance to those in need in our community, particularly during these challenging times.” said Brian Beaumont, President of Windsor Goodfellows. “We appreciate your assistance in helping our Organization to continue our programs, year after year.”
“BAPS Charities is proud to support food banks across Canada to reduce food insecurity during this difficult time”, said Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities Canada. “We are thankful to all of our local volunteers and donors who came together to help those who were in most need.”
BAPS Charities is committed to serving society and communities in diverse fields such as medical, environmental, community, educational, and humanitarian services.
