In response to the tragedy at the Babine Forest Products sawmill, the Lakes District Food Bank will be doubling its operating hours.
The food bank will now be open every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clients will now able to receive a box of fresh and non perishable food, twice a month.
To receive a food box, clients are asked to come to the food bank with a piece of identification and proof of residential address.
The Lakes District Food Bank has been serving the needs of our community for over 10 years.
Babine Forest Products and Hampton Affiliates management, staff, and employees, and the United Steelworkers Union have been strong supporters since it first opened. People donate to the food bank when they have extra and withdraw in times of need. No one should hesitate to draw on what has been so generously donated over the years.
In addition to those workers directly affected by the explosion and fire at the sawmill, the food bank is ready to respond to anyone who is in need of food.
The outpouring of generosity from the community and a recent large donation from Overwaitea Foods, has given the food bank the boost it requires to respond to this need.
The food bank relies on donations of food and money. At present it is overflowing with non-perishables, but cash donations for the purchase of fresh food are always needed. Cash donations can be made to the Lakes District Food Bank, Box 777, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0, or dropped off at the Lakes District Campus of the College of New Caledonia.
All cash donations are spent directly on food and tax receipts are issued.
Those wishing to contribute non-perishable food items may drop them off at the food bank during distribution times, or place them in drop boxes at local grocery stores.
The food bank is staffed by a small group of volunteers, however more people are needed.
For more information on volunteering or emergency food aid, please call Joanna Carnie at 250-692-3029.
Other questions can be directed to Winifred Comeau at 250-695-6634.