NEWS RELEASE
HELPING HAND FOOD BANK
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The Helping Hand Food Bank today announced exciting changes that will strengthen the charity’s ability to serve growing needs in the community.
In early February, Cyndie Pasquarella assumed the role of president of the Food Bank, having served as vice-president during a time of great change to the Food Bank’s operations during COVID-19. At the March board meeting, long-time Food Bank volunteer Bill Jermyn was appointed vice-president.
Following a competitive search, former Food Bank president, local teacher and anti-poverty activist Carolyn Khan was hired as the Food Bank’s first executive director, a new role that will oversee the operations of the Food Bank, reporting to the volunteer board and working to continue to grow and improve the services the Food Bank offers.
“We’re thrilled to be able to make this important change,” said Cyndie Pasquarella. “An executive director allows us to have a dedicated, part-time staff person to ensure that as the need for the Food Bank continues to grow, we are able to adapt to serve those increased needs amongst local residents experiencing food insecurity.”
“Rest assured we remain focused on the vast majority of our donations going towards frontline services, but creating this important staff role will ensure we are better positioned to serve the growing need in our community,” said Pasquarella.
“I’m so honoured and excited to take on this new role,” said Carolyn Khan. “Over my previous term as president, we accomplished a great deal, from a re-branding exercise, improved relationships with local grocery stores to use donated food, having our most successful fundraising year ever in 2021, preparing to move into the new community hub space, and serving a growing number of clients during COVID-19. I’m thrilled to get to work and will do my utmost to ensure we support those in town who need our help."
“Now that the Food Bank regularly serves nearly 1000 clients per month, the board decision to hire an executive director makes sense to ensure we can continue to meet the need in this time of inflation and pandemic recovery,” said Councillor Jonathan Scott, who is the Town’s liaison to the Food Bank and fundraising co-chair. “Our Town strongly and proudly supports the Food Bank as a charity, and being able to make this hiring decision is a testament to our community’s generosity and the desire to ensure everyone can live in dignity by having access to nutritious food. Carolyn Khan will be great in this role, and I’m looking forward to seeing Carolyn, Cyndie, Bill and the entire charity continue to serve the community.”
For more information and to donate please visit www.bradfordfoodbank.ca.
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