Labrador West Ministerial Food Bank gets $30,000 donation
IOC gives cash to help organization deal with COVID-19
A significant donation by the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) to a food bank in Labrador West will go a long way to help them deal with the impacts of COVID-19. “We are very grateful,” Rev. Robert Mclean, chair of the Labrador West Ministerial Association and Food Bank told Saltwire in an interview. “IOC always seem to have us in the forefront of their thoughts, they always reach out to us. In this time of need it was particularly significant.” Mclean said they have seen some increase in food bank usage in Labrador City and Wabush and social distancing is creating challenges for the more vulnerable sectors of society. IOC President and chief executive officer Clayton Walker said supporting local food banks is part of the company’s commitment to keeping the community safe. “With large sectors of the Labrador economy being on pause, many of our neighbours are having a hard time making ends meet for the first time in their life,” he said in an emailed statement. “The Labrador West Ministerial Food Bank offers both hope and food assistance to families in need, helping them to get through this tough time.” Mclean said they have seen donations from many community organizations and groups since the pandemic began and are grateful the community has been so supportive. “The community supports the food bank tremendously,” Mclean said. “I have been here three years and I’ve seen a lot of giving since I’ve been here but from the start of this crisis, we had organizations like schools, the police and sports groups, many organizations and individuals, just give out of civic interest and concern. It’s amazing.” Mclean said while there are many in the communities who are still working a number of industries in Labrador west have been impacted, with many now out of work. He said some people may be facing unemployment for the first time in their lives and they are there to help those in need. For updated hours for the food bank visit them on their Facebook page or by calling 709-944-6444.