Sudbury's emergency food bank sees outpouring of support after break-in

Sudbury's emergency food bank has seen an outpouring of support from the community after it was broken into last weekend.

Cash and electronics were stolen at Inner City Home after the door was kicked in. Inner City Home president Joe Drago said the community has really stepped up to help.

"I've had so many phone calls at home,” Drago said.

“It's not always resulting in food or money but certainly resulting in words of encouragement that we have to keep going and do anything possible to make these people feel safe and look after their families.”

Some have reached out to offer words of encouragement and others have donated food.

"Michael Vagnini, the city councillor, came with a van full of food so we unloaded food in New Sudbury, unloaded another load from him at the Elm Street location. It's just tremendous," Drago said.

"The grocery stores, Metro, with bags, people can buy a bag and donate it back. We had tons and tons of those just the other day."

Cash and electronics were stolen at Inner City Home after the door was kicked in. Inner City Home president Joe Drago said the community has really stepped up to help. (Photo from video)

Wade Hein of Pass It On Undercoating Inc. also stepped up. Hein, who co-owns the business with his wife, said they wanted to do something to help after hearing the news.

"I have an extra security system that I have at my shop because I've updated my old one," he said.

"The other was just security. I said 'why don't we donate that to them?' she said 'wow, yeah they can use it.'"

'WE ALL NEED TO STAND UP'

Hein said it's important to help whenever possible.

"A lot of people are missing out with changes, COVID and everything else. We all need to stand up as small businesses, large businesses and give back to the community because that’s what it’s all about," he said.

Drago said the laptops have already been replaced.

"I got a call from a gentleman at the city who asked if we wanted to take laptops they were recycling," he said.

Inner City Home was closed Friday for construction for upgrades to the basement. The work was being completed for free by Community Builders, who offered to fix the door and windows that were damaged after the break-in.

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What an initially heartbreaking situation, has become positive thanks to the community, Drago said.

"You feel depressed when something happens like a break-in, and you go home and see all the wonderful things, answers on answering machine, emails and calls," he said.

"This is a remarkable city."