Welland Food Drive Keeps Families Fed at Christmas
To help people and families have a happy Christmas, the annual Welland Food Drive brought in a whopping 5,000 pounds of food and over $56,000 financial support for three local food banks, including The Salvation Army in Welland.
The massive event took place recently and sees all community donations split evenly between local food banks at The Salvation Army Community and Family Services (CFS), Open Arms Mission and The Hope Centre.
Carrie McComb, Director of Salvation Army Community and Family Services for Welland and St. Catharines, says the donations from the Welland Food Drive provides a major boost for those living with food insecurity in the community.
“The food that we get from the food drive helps carry us through the whole year for food in Welland and helps provide vulnerable individuals and families with nutritious meals,” Carrie says.
Financial donations from the drive are being used this Christmas season to purchase gift cards for individuals and families looking to put food on the table and make the holidays brighter. CFS also purchases fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, meat or other perishable items that are not usually received in food bank donations.
The pandemic, combined with an increased cost of living, has led to greater demand for assistance from individuals and families wondering where their next meal is coming from.
“We thank all of our innovative partners and community supporters for their generous donations during the Welland Food Drive – the support has been tremendous and will provide positive outcomes for so many in our community,” Carrie says. “The need for assistance continues to grow in Welland, and we are committed to helping as many individuals and families as we possibly can during the holiday season and year-round.”
Many new Canadians are also reaching out to The Salvation Army for assistance to help get settled into a new life and a new community. Food donations keep families from going hungry, but they are also a way to support new Canadians feel welcome, supported and encouraged as The Salvation Army journeys with them during the transition into their new community.
Carrie says the overwhelming success of the Welland Food Drive shows that the need is there and that the community is willing to respond to make life better for friends, neighbours and families.
Join our Army of Givers and donate to The Salvation Army online at www.salvationarmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and make a difference in your community.