A Message From the Executive Director
On Our 25th Anniversary
Just imagine, founded in July of 1984 the Barrie Food Bank is celebrating 25 years of helping vulnerable families in the Barrie and surrounding area!!!
What a wonderful tribute this is to our volunteers and supporters. We are not government funded and all of our achievements at combating hunger are community supported.
We are now distributing in excess of 500,000 pounds of food annually, while assisting 20,000 individuals and family members; 8,000 of whom are children. However, the impact of our services is about so much more than numbers. The comments from those who have come to us for assistance, provides a more personal insight.
A single mother who was in grief over the recent loss of her mother and grandmother said it this way; “In my time of sorrow, the kindness that I received at the Barrie Food Bank touched my heart in a way that I will never forget.”
A lady after being very embarrassed at needing our help and filled with gratitude on how her family was treated exclaimed; “Thank you for giving me back my dignity.”
Another single mom explained; “Even though food is a necessity, having someone I can talk to and unburden myself, and receive some encouragement is just as essential. I leave the Food Bank feeling I can put one foot in front of the other again. ”
A father of five children who finally landed a good job after a long struggle wrote; “During my prolonged unemployment our family has experienced many reasons to lose hope. The dignity and personal care with which you and your volunteers treated us through this difficult time, was the light at the end of our tunnel.”
A couple who we coached on finding new employment after experiencing a business failure stated; “The Barrie Food Bank became like family to us in providing the encouragement and practical support we needed to put us back on our feet. They brought hope and sunshine into a very bleak situation.”
We are going through difficult economic times and there will be many others needing our compassion, encouragement, and assistance with grocery supplies through their time of crisis. The good news is that we know we can count on the continued generosity of our community in supporting our endeavors to be a lighthouse of hope in the midst of turmoil and suffering.
Gratefully Yours,
Dennis Willer
Executive Director
