Bluesky2024 Holiday Fundraising Campaign
Supporting: Golden Food Bank
Team Captain: Communities of Golden and CSRD Area A
2024 has been a challenging year for many. For some, thats an understatement. One in five British Columbians are currently struggling with food insecurity, and the high cost of living and food prices are affecting all of us. There were over 2 million visits to food banks in Canada in March 2024 - the highest number in history. In Golden and Area A, we have seen a steady rise in demand for food access support over the last number of years.
We support an average of 177 households with emergency food assistance each month, and 215 households at our peak. 634 residents have accessed our Food Bank program at least once this year - thats a number equivalent to 17.4% of the towns population. Despite these high numbers, food insecurity and affordability issues are impacting many more people who do not go to food banks for help.
Together we are making a difference. Over 2,700 hampers filled with fresh produce, meat, dairy, dry goods, toiletries, diapers, and formula have been distributed so far in 2024; food that wouldn't have been on the table otherwise. Food insecurity can impact us all at different times and for different reasons - the GFB is here to help! Our Affordable Market, $10 Meal Kit, and Food Rescue programs make food support more accessible to more people, "feed" the sustainability of our programs, and reduce food waste in our community. (To learn more about us and our programs, visit www.goldenfoodbank.ca)
We do this through the power of community, and we need your help now more than ever! The GFB is a nonprofit society and charity independent of core government funding, meaning we rely on donations and grants to cover our program and operating costs each year.
Hosting your own fundraiser is a powerful way to support our Food Bank program and raise awareness within your community. Setting up a Virtual Food Drive allows you to bring together colleagues, friends, and family in a meaningful, collective effort to get food directly to those in need.
In just a few minutes, you can create an online donation page and form a team with your coworkers, friends, family, or organization. It's easy to get started - simply click Join Team to the left! Make sure 'Golden Food Bank' is selected under 'Who you are fundraising for' on the registration page.You'll get a link to your group's unique fundraiser that you can share over the holiday season. Virtual Food Drive donations are tax-deductible, and donors will automatically receive a tax receipt after their contribution is processed.
If youd like some help setting up your fundraising page, design and branding, or a poster for your space, reach out to us at info@goldenfoodbank.ca! We are here to help your fundraising efforts every step of the way! Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages (@GoldenFoodBank) over the month of December, where we will be sharing yours and the communitys progress!
On behalf of our staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and community we serve - thank you in advance for supporting the Golden Food Bank's Holiday Fundraising Campaign, helping us make sure that everyone in our community has access to fresh and healthy food year-round!