by Brenda Gibson
Have you ever heard of a fundraiser that raises funds without asking people for money?
If you were able to make a meaningful financial impact in your community without it costing you a cent, would you do it?
The five Semiahmoo Peninsula Rotary clubs have joined forces with Save-On Foods to make this a simple, yet effective reality.
Here’s how it works: You purchase a Save-On gift card from the Rotary club and then use it to do your grocery shopping at Save-On Foods.
That’s it!
It works because Save-On Foods has sold the cards to the club at an eight per cent discount, and the difference is donated to Sources Food Bank in South Surrey.
Even better… the Block family is matching all monies raised for one year, resulting in 16 per cent of the value of every food card sold going to the food bank.
This is an incredible opportunity for you to help, and it won’t cost you a thing!
But hang on – why would the Block family do this?
In John Block’s own words:
My father had been an avid supporter of the food bank for many years.
His family came to B.C. in 1936, when he was 10. His parents had been homesteaders in the Prairies.
They came to B.C. looking for a better life for their six children. These were difficult times, as it was for many families in the 30s. At the age of 13, Dad had to leave home to find work to help support the family. He understood homelessness, hunger and loneliness.
As long as I can remember, Dad had a sensitive spirit for those in need; he always supported the local food bank.
Dad passed away in October of last year. I had a very special relationship with Dad – he was my mentor and my best friend.
As a tribute to Dad, our family made the decision to match monies raised for the food bank for one year beginning June 30, 2016.
As a result, 16 per cent of the value of every food card sold until June 30, 2017 will go to the food bank. All funds will be used to purchase food for people in need.
To date, the clubs have sold $120,000 worth of cards, meaning $19,200 for the food bank.
The clubs and the Block family hope to sell at least $500,000 worth, resulting in $80,000 to the food bank.
Please support this cause.
This fundraiser will have a major impact on the lives of many people that are struggling in the community.
Cards are available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and $200 and make wonderful gifts. To purchase, contact John Block or Ozzy Crompton at raisingfundsforfood@gmail.com
• Across the Peninsula is another delicious way to raise funds for another worthy local cause.
Members of Peace Arch Rotary Club are hosting their fifth annual fundraising dinner, Rotary Noël, at Washington Avenue Grill on Nov. 17 in support of White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society and other local projects.
The Hospice Society provides a caring environment for those in hospice, as well as counseling and resource services for loved ones. All of their services are provided free of charge by dedicated staff and volunteers.
Rotary Noël dinners have raised $100,000 over the last four years in support of hospice. This year, may they count on you?
Sponsorships and donations for the silent and live auctions (either monetary or in-kind) would be sincerely appreciated.
You are also invited to purchase tickets to join in a wonderful evening of Rotary Noël festivities.
So many of us are so abundantly blessed! Please consider sharing your blessings with those in our community who are less fortunate. Rest assured, you’ll feel deliciously generous!
Brenda Gibson writes monthly on behalf of the Semiahmoo Peninsula’s five Rotary Clubs – brenda_gibson@shaw.ca
