Vancouver property firm filling food bank shelves this November

Nov 15 2016, 8:40 am

A month-long drive to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has proven more successful than organizers imagined as people get into the spirit of giving.

Vancouver property services company Martello has been fundraising throughout November, aiming to collect enough non-perishable food to fill one of its service vans.

But it has already received $5,000 in donations from clients, and filled two of its vans full of much-needed food items like nut butters, canned fish, soup, chillies and canned fruit.

In a release, vice president Warren Smithies said the food bank needs help – on top of their empty shelves, they’ve also seen a rise in children using their services.

“There can be detrimental, long lasting effects on a child when they are lacking nutrition,” said Smithies. “We want to bring awareness and help prepare The Greater Vancouver Food Bank for their busiest season.”

Martello has partnered with the Scotia Dance Centre and Columbia College, which are collecting non-perishable food items on site.

Meanwhile, Loblaws City Market in Vancouver has committed to help Martello fill one of their vans with some of the food bank’s most needed items.

As well, two of Martello’s clients have promised to match the final amount raised.

‘We can make an impact’

“It’s been really great to see the amount of participation both within our office, the building we are in and our clients,” said marketing coordinator Rachel McHollister.

“I think we all understand how difficult it can be to live in Vancouver and by working together we can make a significant impact in our communities.”

If you want to give, Martello are holding a bake sale at their building at 808 West Hastings on Tuesday from 8:45 to 10 am. All proceeds go to the food bank.

Or you can donate directly to The Greater Vancouver Food Bank, giving funds, food, or your time. To find out more, check foodbank.bc.ca.

“This year has been a particularly tough one for Vancouver and Lower Mainland residents,” said McHollister.

“We want to do our part to help ensure that everyone has a warm, hearty and balanced meal this holiday season – regardless of their circumstances.”

Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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