Local food bank needs more holiday donations

Sebastian Gaissert , executive director of the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, asks for more donations in the face of rising costs of living

By Manor Park Chronicle November 28, 2023

Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre Executive Director Sebastian Gaissert and Food Bank Director Patricia Lau are hoping the community comes through with more donations druing what is, for many, a difficult holiday season. Photo supplied

The impact and reach of Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre (RRCRC)’s services in our community have flourished thanks to the unwavering support of our cherished partners, devoted volunteers, and generous donors. Now your local food bank needs more holiday donations.

With the continuous support of the community, we are able to provide essential social services to children, families, newcomers, refugees, and especially all community members facing financial hardships throughout our area and beyond.

Last year, the RRCRC served over 27,000 residents. The Poverty Reduction initiative assisted more than 10,400 individuals and families. Moreover, our local emergency food bank supported on average almost 900 people each month, sadly marking an all-time high due to escalating food insecurity.

Our Good Food Box and Social Harvest Social Enterprises delivered 20 tons of affordable and nutritious food. The Community Support and Development Team organized some 136 resident-led activities and events, engaging around 12,000 participants in our neighbourhoods, and provided essential counselling and social support.

Local lifeline

Unfortunately, food insecurity is not going away and is only getting worse for many residents in our neighbourhood, particularly in the face of rising inflation and the cost of living. Our emergency food bank and the array of services provided by the RRCRC continue to be a lifeline for many of our neighbours. Your local food bank needs more holiday donations.

The RRCRC’s vision is to achieve a dignified and rewarding life for all community residents and to support those needing a helping hand.

With the holiday season upon us, the RRCRC cordially invites you to support our vision and to visit www.crcrr.org, where you can make a contribution that will make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

We kindly request you also consider becoming a monthly donor directly through our donation website. Should you wish to learn more about our work, please sign up for our newsletter, peruse our annual report, consider becoming a volunteer, and please follow us on social media.