The 100 Mile House Food Bank Society is breathing a sigh of relief that this year’s grant from the B.C. Community Gaming Grant went through without a hitch.
There was some confusion last year, when the organization only received $60,000 of the $80,000 grant it had applied for. They eventually received the other $20,000.
This year, however, the $80,000 application was approved immediately, leaving society secretary-treasurer Kathy Haveman “absolutely amazed. I’m glad we got it; it will really make a big difference this year.”
Society executive director Bob Hicks notes the money helps the Food Bank pay rent, hydro, heat and insurance, but most of the money goes towards buying food throughout the year. He says there’s been a large increase in the number of people needing help.
“We normally distribute between 120 and 130 hampers every two weeks, but on Dec. 1, we distributed 160, and on the 15th, we distributed 173. We expect to give out more than 300 Christmas hampers.”
Haveman says that $2,000-worth of toys has been purchased, and will be distributed at an event on Dec. 22 at the Food Bank’s building at 199 Seventh Street.
“Every child who comes will get a teddy bear and a new toy. And there’ll be personal care items there for older children, or any person who needs them. We don’t turn anyone away.”
