Bridges to Hope needs your help

St. John’s food aid centre is in need of donations

The manager of a food aid centre in St. John’s Bridges to Hope, says they are in desperate need of donations.

“The demand is up, and donations are down,” said Jody Williams. “I’ve seen about a 25 per cent increase in clients, in the past eight weeks.”

Williams told The Telegram that he has noticed that his cliental is changing.

“A lot of seniors are coming in lately because of the cost of living in St. John’s,” said Williams. “They’re having a really tough time because of their fixed incomes.”

“Just today, I had a couple come in with their young child,” he said. “Both parents are working, but they can’t seem to make ends meet with their minimum wage jobs.”

The centre gives hampers of food to their clients, which normally contain essential and nutritious items.

“What’s happening now is that we’re starting to leave things out of hampers that would normally be in there,” said Williams.

Williams said that even with all of the food donations, the centre still has to spend about $2,500 a month, to make sure the clients are getting the fresh fruit and vegetables necessary.

“I’m lucky that I have a good relationship with some stores and suppliers in the city,” said Williams. “I can sometimes manage to turn $1 into $2.”

Williams said that with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, he hopes monetary and food donations will increase.

“We are in a dire situation,” said Williams. “For the first time since I’ve been working here, the demand has gone beyond my budget for food.”

For more information on how to donate visit:

http://www.bridgestohope.ca/fundraising/

Or call 709-722-9225