Social Media for Change: Food Bank RoundUp

I recently did some housekeeping on the site and removed a section of my About page, dissecting it into several other pages. One that I would like to bring your attention to is Causes.

I know folks around here love to give and help out whenever they can, that’s what makes this area so great. However only once a year at Christmas do we see a huge spike in support. I’d like to do another Food Bank RoundUp to highlight some events and ways you can continue to give this summer.

Photo credit: Photojunkie on Flickr (used with permission) – PhotoJunkie.ca

Surrey Food Bank: Car Wash Fundraising Event at Eaglequest Golf Course on Saturday May 31, starting at 9:00am. There will be hot dogs and refreshments while you get your car washed by donation to the Food Bank, or you can bring by non-perishable food items.

Greater Vancouver Food Bank: Through the GVFB I found out about National Hunger Awareness Day, which will be June 5th 2008. This event is to encourage Canadians to give, speak, and spread the word about hunger in their towns and across the country.

On May 31st it is Healthy Kids Day at Langara Family YMCA (282 West 49th Avenue), admission is free but all those who attend are encouraged to being a donation for the GVFB. There will be a BBQ, bike rodeo and even pony rides. Yes, pony rides.

There is also the North Burnaby Food Bank, located at 250 Willingdon Ave and the New Westminster Food Bank Society at 1111 Sixth Avenue (also a part of the GVFB).

Tri Cities Food Bank (Share Society): Because not every region in South Western BC falls under the GVFB, please remember that you can donate locally, to help out those in your own neighbourhood. Here are Food Bank locations in the Tri-Cities area:

2615 Clarke St. Port Moody (rear of building)
2211 Prairie Ave. – Port Coquitlam, Trinity United .St. Catherine’s Anglican Church
535 Marmont St., Coquitlam, Como Lake United Church

For some quick numbers from the Surrey Food Bank: More than 1.2 million hours of labour, including 800,000 plus volunteer hours, contribute to the operation of food banks every month… More than 40% of food recipients are children… Many food banks give more than just food – people in need often require advocacy services regarding landlord-tenant issues, income assistance applications, training programs, etc.

If you have a community event coming up consider partnering with the Food Bank in your area ie. bring a non-perishable food item and get a free balloon animal.. or something because I sincerely feel that anytime is the right time to give.