Bradford is working to build support for the Helping Hand Food Bank this holiday season.
The town’s building department donated $500 to the food bank on Tuesday, Dec. 12, on behalf of the Ontario Building Officials Association’s Simcoe County chapter.
“Food insecurity is increasing at an alarming rate right here in Bradford West Gwillimbury. In fact, we have never seen such a demand for our services than we have these past few months,” food bank executive director Carolyn Khan said via email. “This is why we are especially grateful for donations like this that will help us continue to support people in Bradford when they need it the most.”
Khan was joined by employees of the town’s building division and members of council for the donation at the food bank’s new location in the town’s social services hub at 177 Church St.
“We chose the Helping Hand Food Bank because they have always done so much for the community of BWG, and we know that more people than ever rely on local food banks to put food on their table — this was our department’s way of helping to make that possible,” said town chief building official William Wong in a media release.
Scott Pattison, chair of the association's Simcoe County chapter, said that, with the exception of a pause during the pandemic, the local chapter has been running an annual draw for several years in which one member municipality is given funds to donate to a local charity of their choice.
“This year, we are pleased to announce that Bradford West Gwillimbury has chosen the food bank for the donation in the amount of $500,” he said via email.
Mayor James Leduc welcomed the contribution, noting that the food bank has seen a 300-per-cent increase in client visits since 2020, and is now serving about 1,500 people per month.
“I am incredibly honoured to see how much our staff cares about the community — and this is a perfect example of that,” Leduc said in the town release. “It is truly heartening to see our community and our staff come together in times of hardship and do what they can to support those who need it most.”
The food bank is hoping to open their new location on Jan. 3. But in the meantime, their most-needed items currently include:
- Cereal and instant oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Canned meats and seafood
- Canned vegetables and canned fruit
- Size 5 and 6 diapers
- Soap, shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste
For more information about the food bank and how it has been supporting the community since 1991, visit bradfordfoodbank.ca.
