The Bradford Helping Hand Food Bank is extremely grateful after receiving a generous donation of $25,000 from a local family.
On Thursday evening, the Mullins family, husband and wife Jason and Kristine and their two daughters, Brianna and Brooklyn stopped by the food bank on Moore Street, for a personal tour of the facility, from food bank president, Carolyn Khan.
The funds were donated on behalf of Jason's family business foundation.
The Mullins decided to donate after hearing about Promise Church's campaign to help pay for some of the urgent needs of the food bank. The campaign which started in November, had the church challenge small businesses to match the Promise Church's grant committeee donation of $500, with a goal of raising $5,000 for the urgent needs of the food bank, like van repairs and winter maintenance, as well as new freezers for their warehouse.
"His donation comes just in time for our Christmas Program," said an excited Kahn. "The cost of the gift cards and the Christmas hampers for our delivery clients are estimated to be $35,000, so we can safely say that the funds will be well-spent!"
In total, the church's challenge brought in $30,475.
Over the weekend, the food bank with the help of the Bradford Lions distributed 200 Christmas hampers to families in need.
The Mullins family has lived in Bradford for over 10 years.
"This is home, and both our kids have spent their childhood life growing up here," said Jason. "We just wanted to help our local community, we know it's a difficult time."
Kristine says both Brianna and Brooklyn are always looking at new ways to get involved in the community and give back, whether through school food drives or local fundraisers.
If they see a need or issue in the community, it often becomes a discussion at home, and the family looks at ways they can help.
"We always talk to them on their input on things," said Kristine.
The family was interested to take part in the tour where they got a behind the scenes look at how the food bank operates and where all food is stored.
The food bank is looking forward to moving to their new home down the street at the old Bradford Public School at 177 Church St. early next year. The entire building will be transformed into a community hub.
To learn more about the food bank and ways to volunteer or donate, visit their website at www.bradfordfoodbank.ca.
