Asking for help was tough for Glace Bay woman
But volunteering at food bank allows her to give back
GLACE BAY — A Glace Bay woman says walking into the local food bank to ask for food was one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do.
“I can’t even think of words to explain how awful it felt going down there to do that,” said Vanessa, who asked that her last name not be used.
“It was devastating,” she said. “I did it for my son. I’d do anything for him.”
For Vanessa, 31, life took a hard turn for her family — which includes a five-year old son — about two years ago. Her husband was working backshift at Sobeys, only getting 24-hours a week of work.
“We had to put bills off in order to buy food,” she said. “We had nothing, it was awful. I can remember I’d be looking in the cupboard trying to find something my son liked to eat and would turn around and say, ‘sorry,’ ”she said, while wiping away tears as a result of the memories. “It was a horrible feeling.” Vanessa was sick at the time and unable to work. She said family did help them, but things kept getting worse.
“I was pregnant and having a rough time. I was in and out of the hospital.”
Finally one day — with no food in the house — Vanessa said she had no choice, and went down to the Glace Bay Food Bank.
The first person she encountered was Ruth Martell.
“She was amazing and so understanding.”
Vanessa said the food bank helped them for six months, but it wasn’t only with grocery orders. Her second son was stillborn.
“That was such a devastating time. The people at the food bank were my guardian angels — I don’t think I would have gotten that without them.”
However, eventually things began to look up for the couple. Vanessa said her husband landed a fulltime job at Hopkins Fish Plant and she also went back to work.
“The first thing we did was take the food bank a substantial donation to thank them for all they did,” she said.
However Vanessa wanted to do more. She eventually had to leave work for medical reasons and now is expecting another child in February. She said her son started school this year so with free time on her hands until her baby is born, about two months ago, she began volunteering at the food bank.
“I go every Tuesday and Thursday and stay as long as they need me, until everything that needs to get done is done.”
Vanessa said she will always do what she can for the food bank.
“The people at the food bank are my saviors; they are so amazing. “
Vanessa is appealing to the public to support the Glace Bay food bank’s major telethon fundraiser being held Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
“They are amazing at the food bank — everything they do and all the people they help — it’s unbelievable. They really need this help, I’m hoping people will support it.”
She is also ensuring her son grows up knowing the importance of giving.
“He is only five and when he is done with this toys, he always wants to donate them now and always wants to buy food for the food bank. It makes me feel good knowing someone will be there to give someday when I’m not able to anymore.”
Sandra MacPherson, coordinator of the Glace Bay Food Bank, said Vanessa is amazing. She said seeing someone like her, who received help and then showed up to give back, is wonderful.
“I think that says a lot about the big families and people who come in here who need help and are so appreciative and come back and help us in different ways.”
MacPherson said Vanessa has been stocking shelves, typing, doing all kinds of things to help the food bank.
“She’s wonderful. It’s inspiring seeing someone giving back like this.”