Following fire, South Porcupine Food Bank finds new locations to serve clients
Operating from the back of its van did the trick for the South Porcupine Food Bank while it made contingency plans after a fire at a neighbouring apartment unit.
Last month, the organization lost everything to smoke damage; food, appliances and its computer system had to be thrown out.
The news did not sit well with people in need. The food bank serves nearly 300 clients each month and kind-hearted souls rallied to collect food and money without even being asked.
Officials said more than $40,000 and nearly 11,000 pounds of food have been donated. The gestures have touched food bank volunteers.
“The community has just pitched in and helped us replenish and it’s just been remarkable the donations we’ve been receiving from all over the area," said Connie Grosvenor.
Grosvenor and other volunteers are now working out of a unit at the Porcupine Mall that's been donated by Metro, the mall's owner, for the next six months.
Food bank clients are asked to pick up their groceries there until the organization moves into a permanent location on Bloor Avenue, next to the C.M. Shields Public Library.
"We're here to help," said Peter Davis, treasurer of the South Porcupine Food Bank.
“Typically, we get anywhere (from) 235 to about 300 clients per month that come in. They’re allowed to come in once every 28 days, so it really does vary. We do get new clients almost every shift, as well, so there are people coming in and coming out of the food bank system."
People who walk or take the bus will also be given a utility cart. Anti-Hunger Coalition Timmins has donated 70 of them.
Davis said a lease has just been signed and in the coming months, the South Porcupine Food Bank will eventually move to 97 Bloor Ave.
Work is underway to get the facility ready for full-service food bank operations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.