The shelves at Knights Table are practically bare, and the need for food remains as urgent as ever, said Annie Bynoe, executive director, Knights Table.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, the non-profit agency, wants the community to pitch-in and help with donations of food and money.
In an effort to ease the tremendous strain on Knights Table this holiday season, a group of retirees from Canadian Auto Workers (CAW Local 584), have undertaken a Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Brampton residents can drop-off healthy and nutritious non-perishable food items at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch, located 1133 Queen St. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We just came through a really difficult summer,” Bynoe said. “It’s typical that during the summer months there’s a decline in food, but the irony is, the kids are at home in the summer, so the load on the family to get food is that much greater. The sad reality is; hunger does not take a summer vacation…”
For families struggling with poverty and other issues, nutrition is doubly important, stressed Bynoe. However, many of the agency’s clients have to make do with food that has high calories and low nutritive value.
Items such as canned meat and vegetables, baby formula, hot/cold breakfast items and soups are needed.
This is the second year the CAW Local 584 will host the food drive. Last year, at their annual Thanksgiving lunch, members were each asked to bring a non-perishable item. That first year, some 150 retirees managed to collect enough food to cram in two vans, said Wilski.
Encouraged by the response, this year, organizers hope there will be enough food to feed 1,000 families.
“Help us make a statement that Brampton cares,” said Chris Wilski, chair CAW Local 584.
“With your help, we can build a mountain of food, to help those in our neighbourhoods who struggle to afford healthy and nutritious food.”
For more information about the food drive, contact Chris Wilski, 416-294-5629 or email Annette, (Knights Table volunteer) annettek@sympatico.ca.
Original Article: http://www.bramptonguardian.com/news/article/1217912–knights-table-needs-help