Virtual fundraiser brings in more than $60,000 for Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Posted December 11, 2020 6:52 pm.
Last Updated December 11, 2020 6:56 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — A virtual fundraiser held Friday is going to make a real difference for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
The annual fundraiser usually means teams from NEWS 1130, CityNews, Sportsnet 650, Jack 96.9, and KiSS Radio hit the streets to collect cash donations and non-perishable food for the charity. The annual effort had to move online, but donors showed up in a big way during a year when more people than ever are relying on food banks across the country due to the pandemic.
A total of $60,647 was raised between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The food bank has buying power of 2 – 1, meaning $121,294 will go towards accessible, healthy and sustainable food.
Donations can be made online or by text until Dec. 16.
We are so overwhelmed by this tremendous outpouring of support Thank you so much to everyone who donated and to everyone involved in making #FoodbankFriday possible! @kissradiohits @JACK969van @NEWS1130 @Sportsnet650 https://t.co/UKUcwc66Hw
— Greater Vancouver Food Bank (@VanFoodBank) December 12, 2020
About the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
The Greater Vancouver Food Bank provides assistance to approximately 8,500 people weekly across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have seen a 20% increase in new clients, 80% of whom cite COVID-19 as the reason for their visit. The GVFB’s mission is to provide healthy food to those in need.
Of all Food Bank clients, 24% are children and youth, and 18% are seniors. The GVFB have specialized nutrition programs for children from birth to 12 years old.
The GVFB also provides food support to more than 80 community agencies throughout these communities, such as housing agencies, women and children’s shelters and after-school programs, who in turn provide hot meals and snacks to thousands of people each week including those struggling with homelessness.
