The Infant Food Bank supplies baby food, bottles, formula, diapers, wipes and clothing to its clients, and the need for its services has never been greater, said its executive director.
The Infant Food Bank on Lasalle Boulevard currently has a list of more than 800 clients that access its services, with more than 3,7000 client visits this year alone, said Dedee Flietstra.
There are a number of reasons for the increase in clients, she said. It's dependent on what's happening in the community, and strikes and business closures always bring in more clients.
Another reason is the increase in public awareness through such initiatives as the All We Need For Christmas campaign, which launched Nov. 23 at the Holiday Inn on Regent Street.
In its ninth year, the All We Need For Christmas campaign has helped thousands of infants and struggling families by providing those basic needs.
“Donations are always graciously accepted, but the holidays are an especially difficult time of year for families in need,” said Flietstra.
“A lot of people don't want it to look like they are begging or having to use the systems. They are used to working for what they need, but they are left hanging when something happens, and it's difficult for them to face the fact they have to go somewhere to get help to feed their baby.”
The campaign has evolved since its inception in 2009.
In 2013, the Fill a Crib initiative was added, which invites businesses to donate $300 for a new crib and mattress and ask staff and patrons to fill it with supplies.
This year, the campaign is evolving yet again, and is giving area car dealers an opportunity to get involved through the new Filling Car Seats initiative. It encourages car dealerships and automotive suppliers to donate $260 for a new car seat, and again asks staff and patrons to fill it with baby necessities for the Infant Food Bank.
Many of the dealerships are taking it a step further, said Dave Petryna, president, Petryna Advertising. They are taking those car seats and putting them inside a vehicle, with the goal being to fill the entire vehicle with items for donation.
Adding car seats to the campaign is huge, Flietstra said.
“We currently have about 20 families that are looking for car seats that don't have one,” she said.
Individual donations can be dropped off to any dry cleaner location in Greater Sudbury including Bright Spot, Starlite, Sudbury Steam, Lewis Cleaners and Uptown Cleaners.
Monetary donations to the Infant Food Bank can be made online at pccifb.ca.
