For Immediate Release
November 2, 2018
Ottawa Food Bank responds to an urgent need in the Dunrobin area
(Ottawa) The Ottawa Food Bank recognized the gaps in basic supports for Dunrobin area residents affected by the September 21st tornadoes. In response the Ottawa Food Bank has delivered $50,000 in grocery gift cards to West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR).
The response came when it became clear people in the Dunrobin area had not received the expected support for basic needs. This influx of gift cards augments the work and efforts of the West Carleton Food Access Centre.
“We have listened to the recent reports with interest and were concerned that people in affected areas have not received the support they need for items like food quickly enough,” says Michael Maidment, CEO, Ottawa Food Bank.
The funding for this response comes from the Ottawa Food Bank’s fundraising efforts following the tornadoes. The Ottawa Food Bank had earmarked $100,000 for future food purchases for people in affected areas.
“We, like the rest of the community, were under the impression that there was sufficient support in these areas. We now know an urgent need still exists and that is why we have no hesitation to respond,” says Maidment.
“West Carleton Disaster Relief and the Ottawa Food Bank recognize the power in partnership, enabling us to deliver support to those who need it most in a fast and efficient manner,” said Angela Bernhardt, West Carleton Disaster Relief group representative. “This is a great example of how the After the Storm initiative encourages organizations to leverage their collective strengths, so we can have an immediate and positive impact on the lives of those who need it the most.”
To distribute the gift cards, the WCDR Community Contacts will be reaching out to their registered residents. Please contact westcarletonrelief@gmail.com for further information or affected West Carleton residents can register on the WCDR website at www.westcarletonrelief.ca.
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About the Ottawa Food Bank
The Ottawa Food Bank is the main emergency food provider in the National Capital Region. Through a network of 112 community food programs, the Ottawa Food Bank provides food for over 38,400 people per month – 35 per cent of whom are children. Thanks to the community’s support, on average 12 to 14 tons of food is distributed from their Michael Street warehouse every weekday. For more information regarding the Ottawa Food Bank and how you can help provide healthy, accessible, sustainable food for all, please visit www.ottawafoodbank.ca
About West Carleton Disaster Relief
West Carleton Disaster Relief is a coalition of 5 West Carleton Community Associations who work as one in recovery. The Board Members are; from Dunrobin Community Association it’s President Greg Patacairk (Co Chair), Secretary Lorraine Madore, and Treasurer Tracy Taffinder (Treasurer); from Kinburn Community Association it’s President Alexandra Lesnick (Co Chair) and Laurie Chauvin, from Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association it’s President Len Russell (Secretary) and Past President Angela Bernhardt (Vice-President); from Huntley Community Association it’s Vice President Judy Makin and Director Allan Joyner; from Corkery Community Association it’s President Katherine Woodward. The Board brings together decades of experience in community advocacy to provide informed, compassionate, and impartial decision making.
For more information please contact:
Samantha Ingram
Communications Coordinator, Ottawa Food Bank
samantha@ottawafoodbank.ca
613-745-7001 ext 105
or
Angela Bernhardt
VP, Officer for NGO & Media Relations, West Carleton Disaster Relief
Angela.Bernhardt@bgis.com
613-324-7765
