Western Forest Products announced that it will provide $100,000 to support 13 different community-based organizations delivering food bank services in areas the company serves. This includes a $5,000 donation to Powell River Action Centre Society Food Bank.
Food bank manager Savanna Dee said the donation is going to make a huge difference for the food bank’s operations.
“A sum that large will go very far to feed many people in our community,” said Dee.
She said cash donations to the food bank go a long way. The food bank has special buying powers through Food Banks Canada and Food Banks BC, she added.
“For instance, I get a can of tuna for 79 cents a can and jar of peanut butter at $1.29,” said Dee. “These are specials that are given to the food bank.”
She said the food bank can benefit on many other items if it has the cash, and the food bank can stretch the dollar.
Demand for the food bank’s goods and services have increased with the onset of COVID-19, according to Dee. She said demand has gone up almost 20 per cent.
“There’s families who just can’t make it through right now,” said Dee. “We’ve relaxed our protocols so they don’t need to sign up with us. They just come on down and we’ll help you, no questions asked. If you need help, we’re here to feed our community.”
The food bank is located at 6816B Alberni Street.
“Based on our regular conversations with community leaders and engagement with employees, we identified a common need for food bank services across the communities where we operate,” stated Don Demens, president and chief executive officer of Western, in a media release.
According to the release, the donations continue the company’s long-term commitment toward investing in community needs where its employees live and work. Through Western’s community enhancement fund, the company provides support to local community events, organizations and initiatives.
The release stated that Western takes pride in its contributions to sustainable and stable communities in the areas in which it operates, including through community contributions, the purchase of local goods and services, local employment and taxes.
