From Vancouver to Langley: Food Banks help each other

Another organization has stepped up to help the Sources Langley Food Bank after it was battered with thefts last weekend, and it is no other than the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB).

The partner food bank across the river contacted Sources after learning that their Langley Food Bank’s one-tonne cube van had been stolen and damaged beyond repair. GVFB CEO Aart Schuurman Hess spoke with Sources director of community services Denise Darrell and offered to give one of its own vehicles, a three-quarter-tonne van, to help out.

(L to R) Greater Vancouver Food Bank CEO Aart Schuurman Hess, Operations Director Craig Edwards and Operations Manager Frank Tallarico

“The Greater Vancouver Food Bank realizes the impact that the loss of so many resources has had on the Langley Food Bank and its members. At times like these, it’s important for the community to come together and to support one another. We hope that giving the Langley Food Bank a van will help them in the midst of the challenges they are facing,” said Hess.

“To have the support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank when we know they are also working hard to help their own clients during this peak demand season means so much to us,” said Darrell. “People need to know that food banks, we all work together.  We help each other.”

Sources Langley Food Bank was the target of multiple thefts within 72 hours between December 10 and 13. Thieves stole $1,000 worth of gift cards; used the food bank truck’s gas card to buy $1,300 of diesel; then abandoned the vehicle in a wrecked condition. Since Sources put out its notice of the thefts, offers of help from individuals, organizations and companies have been nonstop. More than $20,000 has been donated to date, in addition to a one-tonne van and other service vehicles loaned “for as long as we need.”

Click here to download this media release as a PDF

About Sources Langley Food Bank | An accredited food bank with Food Banks BC and Food Banks Canada, we opened in October 2014 and serve anyone who lives on a low income in the Langley area of 0 Avenue to the Fraser River, east of 196 St. and west of 276 St. Currently, 600 clients visit the food bank each week and the numbers are growing. The food bank receives no government funding and relies on financial support from the community. To donate, please click here. Sources Langley Food Bank is a program of Sources Community Resources Society, an internationally-accredited non-profit organization and registered charity that also operates the South Surrey/White Rock Food Bank.

About Greater Vancouver Food Bank |The GVFB was set up as temporary relief of the hunger crisis in 1982 and has grown significantly in the three decades since. Today the GVFB provides assistance to over 26,500 people weekly through 14 food locations, community kitchens, training workshops and close to 100 community agencies located in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver.

CONTACTS