Hunger is a 12-month battle
By Jim Morrison
www.thesuburban.com
Wendy Gariépy, Operations Manager at West Island Mission (WIM), understands that hunger is a 12-month battle.
“As summer is upon us, most wait in anticipation of that needed vacation, but for many families living in The West Island, vacation looks very different. For many families, it will be difficult to put food on the table, said Gariepy
The end of the academic calendar invites the additional lunch which schools supply during the year.
WIM is holding its annual Back to School Distribution on August 16, in helping to fight this obstacle.
“We will be serving 261 families with a total of 1115 relatives. There will be 526 children between the ages of 5-17 years who will be receiving backpacks, with school supplies, for the upcoming year. The backpacks will also contain fresh produce, milk, bread and toiletry items.
Carrie Goldberg, executive director at the Family Resource Center recognizes the need of food banks through the eyes of special needs children.
The Family Resource Center support youth, (ages five-42), with their parents, and professionals, dealing with learning disabilities, social skills, and behavioral difficulties.
“We see many single income families who struggle making ends meet, while providing nutrition to their special needs child.
“We work in collaboration with On Rock Community Services in Pierrefonds. The children learn the importance of responsibility by showing them the tools in requesting their ration of food supply, Goldberg told The Suburban.
On Rock Community Services is a community organization committed to making a difference in the Montreal area by being a resource for people in the community. This takes various forms, including a food bank, a school lunch program, and a community diner.
“We have seen an influx of extra resources the past several months because of the media attention we have received,” added Gariépy.
A $20 donation can sponsor a backpack full of school supplies for one child.
WIM is collecting kids/teens gently second hand clothing for their back-to-school event. Drop offs can be made at 139 Labrosse, Pointe-Claire.
“Hunger never takes a vacation,” added Gariepy, as she tackles the issue all 12 months of the year.
For more information about the three non-profits:
West Island Mission
[514] 912-6813
On Rock
[514] 696-1905
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