After expressing its gratitude for the recent support, the Saanich Community Kitchen is ready to embark on its next fundraising drive.
Shelbourne Community Kitchen has unveiled a wall of thanks to 11 individuals and organizations who have been key to growing the organization to what it is today. An additional plaque acknowledges anonymous donors.
The organization runs programs designed to lower barriers to accessing healthy foods for low-income families and individuals.
“The people who support our work form a deeply humbling and inspiring network. It’s a pleasure to have this time to celebrate the enormous impact they’re making in the kitchen,” program director Kim Cummins said in a news release.
The 11 winners are Banyan Construction, Brewis Electric (Wyatt family), Bruce Saunders, Craig Thomas, Laura Cochrane, Lutheran Church of the Cross, Mary Lou Whidden, Omnivore Acres Farm, Jim and Catherine Gowans, St. Luke’s Cedar Hill Anglican Church , Tri-Eagle Development, Travis Lee and Vivian Skinner.
“In keeping with our values, we want to recognize those who contribute in a variety of ways, including monetary value donors, in-kind contributions and volunteerism,” Board Chair Clarice Dillman said on March 30 said at the unveiling ceremony.
The kitchen reported a 200% increase in customers, or 230 people, in the first half of 2020.
In 2022, the Pantry program serves more than 1,100 adults and 400 children, distributing more than 50,000 pounds of food.
On-site, the kitchen saw customers come together to prepare 2,047 meals and 37 food skills programs that improved lives through in-person and virtual meetings. The kitchen distributed 175 meal kits and 1,876 edible plants.
The next step for Shelbourne Community Kitchen is the Phase 2 refurbishment of Capital Camping at its new space, 101-3787 Cedar Hill Rd. Plans include a commercial kitchen and accessibility improvements.
The program has no membership fees and does not require proof of residency or proof of need. Visit shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca to learn more about the program or how to donate.
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Food Saanich