LONDON, ON -- Jan. 28, 2021 -- Despite -- or maybe in spite of -- the socio-economic challenges posed by COVID-19 this year, Londoners opened their hearts and wallets like never before during the 2020 Business Cares Food Drive. And that generosity has allowed the London Food Bank to offer support outside of its network of agencies.
“Normally, the London Food Bank supports programs and services provided by more than 25 groups and agencies throughout the area, in addition to providing assistance to individuals and families who come to our Leathorne Street location,” explained Glen Pearson, London Food Bank co-director. “This year, thanks to the generosity of Londoners, we’re able to extend our reach well beyond our normal network and are able to assist other agencies and organizations that have struggled through this pandemic and may be having difficulty acquiring the food necessary for their services.”
The London Food Bank is partnering with the United Way of Elgin-Middlesex to assist in reaching out to agencies to let them know that extra few supplies are available. To facilitate distribution, the Business Cares Food Drive team worked to secure a secondary, temporary warehouse, which will house and manage the surplus food donations.
“We always know that Londoners are going to step up and support the needs of the community, but none of us were quite prepared for what happened in December,” explained Business Cares Food Drive chair Wayne Dunn. “That spirit of generosity has continued into the New Year with E&E McLaughlin Ltd. kindly donating warehouse space to support the Food Bank’s needs.”
In total, 72,000 pounds of food, worth approximately $160,000, will be distributed at this temporary warehouse. It will remain open until all the food has been distributed to agencies in need.
“COVID has taken such a toll on our community and there are more people in need than ever,” Dunn added. “But the community spirit of London comes shining through and all of this additional support is only possible because our business community, volunteers, and citizens responded in such huge numbers. From Grocery Store weekend at the start of the campaign, to the cash and food donations that arrived at the end of the campaign, Londoners chose to fight back against COVID with compassion.”
For further comment, please contact:
- Glen Pearson, London Food Bank co-director: 519-859-6582
- Wayne Dunn, Business Cares Food Drive chair: 519-661-9803
