The Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank spring fundraiser has come to an end, raising just over $42K to help feed those in need.
The food bank was able to exceed its goal of raising $30K by July 1 thanks to many community donors.
In total, the fundraiser brought in $42,268, with around $28,000 coming from individuals and small businesses and one large donation of $13,000 coming from the local Walmart.
President of the food bank, Carolyn Khan, says just over $5,000 of the fundraising money came from new donors of the food bank who were able to easily donate via the food bank's brand new website, which allows for payment with a credit card.
"Launching the website brought us a new clientele (of donors), it was people whose names we have never seen donated before," she said. "The old donors also still give generously."
Summer is a time when food bank donations are needed the most, which was the main reason for launching the spring fundraiser.
"Not only is the summer slower for donations, but it also's when there is no school breakfast programs or lunches, so the need is greater," said Coun. Jonathan Scott who is the new council liaison for the food bank, replacing Deputy Mayor James Leduc.
Scott was instrumental in helping to get the food bank's new website up and running, as well as developing its new logo.
The food bank will still be offering the snack program throughout the summer months for those in need.
This was the food bank's second-largest fundraiser this year. In January, the food bank was the recipient of generous corporate sponsorships and a one-time grant from Second Harvest to help with the purchase of their new van, which helps transport food back and forth between the food bank, donors, and clients' homes.
"It really just shows the generosity of the people in this town," said Khan.
The Helping Hand Food Bank has been busy, with many new donors and partners. The food bank is now part of the Feed Ontario program, which allows them to pick up food from the Barrie hub every few weeks. In addition, Sobeys Bradford recently signed up for the 'One More Bite' program, through Second Harvest, which gives the food bank around 200-400 pounds of rescued food each week.
"We have made so many exciting connections with Springh Farms, Seed to Feed, and Veggies 2 You," added Khan.
Throughout the pandemic, the food bank has seen an increase in clientele. Due to COVID restrictions, clients are welcome to stop by the food bank to pick up their prepackaged bags, curated to each client's likes and needs.
"We have a wonderful checklist system now," noted Khan.
Last month the food bank held its Annual General Meeting virtually, with special guests MPP Caroline Mulroney and MP Scot Davidson.
"It serves such a great need in our community," said MP Scot Davidson about the Helping Hand Food Bank. "I know this year has been really tough."
He gave a shout-out to the Dahlgren sisters, Emily and Sarah, who with the support of the residents and small businesses in Bradford raised $50K for the food bank last Christmas.
"For 30 years, Helping Hand has served BWG without falter or interruption, and that is an accomplishment deserving of recognition," said MPP Mulroney. "A glimmer of hope that has come from the pandemic is our community's willingness to lend their hand and to help a neighbour."
Mulroney personally thanked Deputy Mayor Leduc for his years of service with the food bank as a board member.
"He will be remembered for the work that he has done and the countless number of people he has helped," she said.
The Helping Hand Food Bank is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. Clients can visit twice a month to receive free bags of food.
Donations to the food bank can be made via their website at www.bradfordfoodbank.ca or by calling at 905-775-2824. Cheques can also be sent to mailing address: Helping Hand Food Bank Inc, PO Box 1268, Bradford, ON L3Z 2B6.
