The Goldstream Food Bank managed to overcome problems with supply this month, which is good news for those in need in the West Shore.
It has done so with generous help from community groups, nearby residents and students, according to Goldstream Food Bank vice-president Walter Dubeau. “The West Shore community stood by us. We started getting food in the first week of December. It has been a wonderful experience. I have never seen so much food come in here.”
Food security is a year-round issue, but the food bank endeavours to provide every family in need with additional help at Christmas, with assistance from organizations such as the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Buoyed by generous donations from our readers, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund works with local agencies to distribute money to groups like the Goldstream Food Bank.
A portion of this year’s donations have gone toward the food bank’s Christmas hamper program, which provides clients with a gift card for a Christmas celebration and meal. Parents of every child under 17 also receive a gift card for a toy of their choice.
Nearly 600 people will have received help via the hamper program by the time the last gift card is delivered, Dubeau said. “All year, it has been tough getting food, but donations are not down. We have fought off the storm very well. It has been better than I was expecting.”
Residents in Colwood, Langford, View Royal, Highlands and Metchosin are eligible for the year-round hamper program, but no one who contacts the Goldstream Food Bank will go hungry, Debeau said. He often refers clients at its doorstep to other agencies if they live outside of the West Shore communities, but they will be taken care of without hesitation.
“If they ask for a hamper, we will gladly give it to them,” Debeau said. “We’ve been going flat out the last couple of weeks, making sure that all the clients get their hampers.”
Christmas isn’t the only busy season for the Goldstream Food Bank. Dubeau, who has volunteered with the society which runs the food bank since 2006, said he saw an increase in people accessing food bank services this year. “Compared to last year, we’re probably up about 20 per cent.”
That makes life more difficult — but ultimately more rewarding — for the volunteer-run organization.
“The money that is given to us goes right back into the community. Aside from a few operating costs, the dollars go a long way,” Debeau said.
Money raised through the Times Colonist Christmas Fund is put directly into the community, to more than 20 organizations in Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands and as far north as Campbell River. Recipients this year have included the Salvation Army, which is our biggest recipient, as well as the Mustard Seed Street Church, Our Place, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, Nourish Cowichan and the 1 UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre, among others.
The resulting funds given to the Goldstream Food Bank lead to more hampers and help.
“It’s a great feeling,” Dubeau said. “It’s heartbreaking at times, but it’s very rewarding to see the good that we’re doing in the community.”
HOW TO DONATE
• Go to our fundraising page at timescolonist.com/donate; that takes you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Mail a cheque to Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201‑655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
