Help for feeding the needy is coming, said Dan Xilon, administrator for the Sudbury Food Bank.
Last Sunday a fire at Terry Fox Sport Complex, wiped out $120,000 worth of food warehoused by the Sudbury Food Bank.
Approximately 30 tons of non-perishable food was declared unfit for human consumption by the Sudbury and District Health Unit, said Xilon.
“This is part of the food collected from Dec. 1 to Christmas during the City of Greater Sudbury Businesses and Employees Food Drive,” he said.
The food would have been distributed to the needy through 43 partner local agencies for the period January to March.
At a news conference held Friday morning at the McKee Wong Centre, on Notre Dame, Xilon announced the Sudbury Food Bank is receiving emergency food stuffs from London and Ottawa Foodbanks, Salvation Army Resource Centre North York, Toronto Daily Food Bank and APS.
“Upon hearing of our plight they very willingly stepped up to the plate to offer assistance. We are very grateful to all of the parties involved.”
Help is arriving next week.
“We are receiving an amazing donation of transportation cost coverage for a truck shipment from North York from our friends at Manitoulin Transport. The first truck will be arriving on Tuesday Feb. 5. Two more trucks will arrive on Thursday the 7th from APS and Toronto Daily Bread, with two more scheduled for the week after from the OAFB members in Ottawa and London.”
Xilon appreciated the support by local residents.
“Our own Sudburians are, without a doubt, the most generous and giving people, who have just helped us during our Christmas season and have no hesitation in coming to our aid during this time of need. We have not officially initiated a campaign to recoup the 30 tons; however, one has grown on its own and we thank the community for this outpouring of support to ensure our less fortunate citizens do not go hungry.”
Here is how Sudburians can help:
- Donations of funds or food to the Sudbury Food Bank can be made at any Royal Bank location and The BDSFB Office at 634 Notre Dame Avenue or call the office at 671-9663.
- Next Saturday February 9th is “Sudbury Saturday Night” sponsored by Vale Inco, Sudbury Star and Sudbury Wolves. If you have tickets to the game and were already planning to attend to see Guelph go down in flames, please remember your food donations.
- Even if you do not plan to attend the game volunteers and trucks will be in front of the Sudbury Arena to collect food or cash donations. Remember “every can matters”.
- The Loblaws Real Canadian Superstore has began a Spring Food Drive in their store to assist in filling the gap.
“We are finding the answers to some of the challenges that have arisen due to the fire. As more solutions become available we will inform the public of our situation,” said Xilon.