From Struggle to Sustenance: Gema’s Journey with Archway Food Bank
“If not for me, I needed to do this for my son,” shared Gema about her experience reaching out for help from the Archway Food Bank.
Originally from West Vancouver, Gema spent her early years in Toronto working within the film industry. In 2012 she returned to the West Coast, this time as a single mother, seeking a fresh start in Abbotsford.
After leaving the film industry, Gema had been working as a construction flagger for over seven years. However, as job opportunities began to dwindle, she needed to find a way to continue supporting her growing child. Income Assistance staff directed Gema to the Archway Food Bank.
After some difficult experiences with other food banks in the past, Gema was initially hesitant and uncertain about what to expect in Abbotsford.
“I didn’t know if anyone was going to stereotype me, or if they were going to give me food that I didn’t want. I came here, and it was like you guys just opened up your arms for me. It was quite overwhelming.”
Gema was pleasantly surprised with the variety of food that was available. From pantry staples to various meats and vegetables, there were multiple nutritious options for both her and her son.
“We believe that having nutritious and healthy food is a basic human right, so we are here to walk alongside those who need help and support them with all that we have,” shared Rebecca, Archway Manager of Food Security.
Gema was also taken aback by how welcoming and open the atmosphere within the food bank was.
“Here it is amiable, it’s nice, we like to talk to one another,” said Gema who has gotten to know other food bank clients as they wait in line.
Gema has seen first-hand the increased need for supplemental food assistance in our community.
Gema believes it’s important to give back, and she occasionally volunteers at the food bank where she can often be seen controlling traffic in the parking lot on busy days.
“A lot of people are hurting. I’ve seen a lot of new families walk through those doors lately,” said Gema.
Gema encourages anyone who can donate to do so as she is grateful to those who graciously donated to help her over the years.
Grateful for the Christmas Bureau
Gema is also grateful to the Archway Christmas Bureau which gave her an opportunity to choose a gift for her son.
“One year my son found a tiny pair of boots underneath the tree and his eyes just lit up with joy,” said Gema who added that holiday times were sometimes difficult to manage in their single-parent household.
The Christmas Bureau helps ensure children and seniors experience the magic of Christmas through donated gifts and holiday-specific hampers. Families are invited to shop for their child in the toy room which is full of donations collected at the annual Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast.
Looking Towards the Future
Gema has always had a passion for art.
“I’m an artist, I’ve been picking up a lot of paint and I’ve been pushing my love and new way of thinking on canvas,” said Gema.
Gema – Food Bank Client
Through her artwork Gema has recently been able to work through various difficulties in her life and hopes to continue to use it as an outlet for her emotions.
She is also very proud of the work she has done raising her son.
“My son is now going to university in the fall, it’s just crazy how much he has grown up in front of me, ” Gema said.
Gema’s story showcases how having access to food and basic necessities can help families who are struggling to make ends meet. With the help of the Archway Food Bank, she has been able to provide her son with a life that she never imagined was possible.
