This blog post is written by Meghan Nicholls, our Director of Marketing and Development.
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At the food bank, the month of December is the busiest time of the year. With hundreds of food drives and fundraisers in the community – we’re attending events, picking up donations, answering phone calls, and sending out messages asking for your support. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted in the midst of it all.
But when I stop for a few minutes and think about why we’re busy, I can’t help but feel so thankful.
Here are a few reasons why:
1. I’m blown away by the generosity of our community. Every year it amazes me how many people give financially to ensure their neighbours don’t go hungry. Did you know that in the month of December alone, 2,145 people made a donation to The Mississauga Food Bank? We’re not just quoting a slogan when we say “It takes all of us to feed our hungry neighbours”; it really does take all of you generous people!
2. We have caring organizations in Mississauga. Since the start of the Holiday Drive on November 21, 343 caring companies, groups, foundations and clubs made donations of food or finance to the food bank. WOW!
3. The next generation is learning how to give back. My favourite food drives and fundraisers are the ones run by kids. (Sorry adults!) I love seeing how excited they get at the food they raise, and hearing their great ideas to raise loonies or twonies. Kids get it that other kids shouldn’t go hungry and do such a great job taking care of hungry neighbours.
4. My colleagues are a great bunch of people. The Mississauga Food Bank has just 11 staff. And they work really hard, always looking for ways to make sure that we can get the most food out to those who need it. From working with those caring corporations to driving a truck to managing the food in our warehouse, our staff team take their responsibilities seriously. I’m honoured to work among this team who is so dedicated to no one going hungry in Mississauga.
We look forward to sharing the results of the Holiday Food and Fundraising Drive with you next week. Your caring and generous gifts will distribute nutritious food to those who need it most in our community!
Thank you!