Leading into the Christmas season, we found ourselves wondering – how is Christmas going to come together? Will there be enough? Did you have those same questions? So much needs to come together in time. Imagine having a shopping list to feed 524 families and 166 seniors!
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Every year we are taken aback by the level of support that this community shows. From unforeseen food drives and financial collections to seeing a child sacrifice their birthday so that others can eat, each act of generosity is so encouraging to us. In all of it, in every act of kindness, every gift, and every sacrificed hour, there exists a common thread of hope–a hope that together we can make a difference in the lives of those that need it most. Together, this year, we make a stand that the hungry will be fed, the senior will not be forgotten, the family will know a community that cares and the child will know the joy of Christmas.
We are so thankful for the wonderful support of our community. You are the key to making a difference in Abbotsford. We have extended our hours into most of the Saturdays of December for your donating convenience – 10AM-2PM. December and January are full of Statutory Holidays, please note the image below for all holiday hours.
Did you know that if you live in Abbotsford, you are living in a place that is considered one of the most generous communities in Canada? We can certainly testify to the fact that our community rallies around those in need and has the heart to see lives changed.
We would like to introduce you to some of the friendly faces of Abbotsford. They are your neighbours who know the joy of giving in Abbotsford.
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Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast presented by Quality Hotel, has once again, left us feeling overwhelmed with gratitude toward our community. We have been blown away by our community’s heartfelt involvement and generosity towards children in need. Together we raised a record of 1,600 toys and over $32,000 in financial support. The morning included spirited Christmas Music, a visit from Santa, delicious breakfast buffet, a festive craft corner, photo booth magic and an enchanted visit from princesses. One mother said – “I love bringing my kids to this event! The best part is letting them pick out a gift for another child. It’s great way to kick off the season. The princesses were a big hit in our family too.”- Sarah
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Christmas preparations are now in high gear here at the Abbotsford Food Bank and Christmas Bureau, and have been for many months. If Santa’s Workshop were a real place, we’d imagine it to look a lot like this. Gifts are flooding our doors, shelves are being stocked, and there’s a level of nervous excitement that doesn’t come around any other time of the year.
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Heading back to school can be a total mix of emotions.Do you remember heading back to school as a kid? Do you remember the total mix of emotions that came with it? I certainly do. I remember the anticipation of attending a new class, the excitement of seeing school friends again, and the pride in showing off my first day of school outfit. I even remember the forgotten smell of the early morning air during the crisp walk to school. And while my family didn’t necessarily have the best of everything, I always knew that I was taken care of and that my lunch box was full.
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We like to brag about the staff at the Abbotsford Food Bank .Yes, we are working on our humility, but it’s true—we have some pretty amazing people working here. Not only are they skilled, but they have a huge heart for what we do.
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Sadly, many people that pass through our doors find themselves unable to rise above their circumstances largely due to the fact that they don’t have the relationships and connections to help bring them there.
Recently we started a pilot project called ‘Everest’ which aim’s at this exact disparity.
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‘My Orchard’ has partnered with the Abbotsford Food Bank to provide fresh Okanagan fruit at a reasonable cost. The goal – MAKE FRUIT ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
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Not every 6-year old would give up their 7th birthday for others. Meet Chase – he did.
When Chase’s mom asked him what he would like to do for his 7th birthday, he said, “Raise money for hungry kids”.
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Meet Noah—a beautiful, talented, 14-year-old girl. For most youth her age, this is an exciting, care-free time. Her narrative, however, is quite different.
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Each year the Abbotsford Food Bank and Christmas Bureau lets you, our valuable supporters, know what our needs are financially. This year we need to raise $850,000 by year’s end to keep helping people in need in Abbotsford. A very helpful envelope should be arriving to your door this week. We want everyone to know about the good work that is happening in our community through the Abbotsford Food Bank & Christmas Bureau.
The 3rd Annual Ramada’s Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast is receiving rave reviews and we couldn’t be more thankful!
A record 1,300 people attended, more than $26,000 raised and receiving over 1,300 toys.
The morning included spirited Christmas Music, a visit from Santa, a top notch breakfast buffet, story time with Clifford the Elf, a festive craft corner and a photo booth to capture the magic of celebrating together. One mother said – “This year’s Toys for tots was the best one yet! Staff were so helpful in getting us a table and the kids loved the story time and crafts.” – Heidi
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The Abbotsford Food Bank is excited to announce the return of a new-found Christmas tradition, the 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Christmas Breakfast presented by the Ramada Plaza & Conference Centre and Envision Financial, on November 27th from 6am – 9:30 am.
The public is once again invited to drop by with a new toy or monetary donation and stay for the free buffet breakfast, kids’ activities, and fantastic live local entertainment. Once again the event falls on an Abbotsford School District Pro D day, parents love bringing their children. The event is a great opportunity to talk about the true spirit of Christmas with our children. It’s better to give than receive!
For those who don’t have time to come in, there will be a drive-thru in the parking lot to drop off donations and enjoy a free coffee and pastry.
All proceeds will benefit the Abbotsford Christmas Bureau and the more than 1,200 children they expect to help this winter. “With the community’s support,” said the Food Bank’s Director, Dave Murray, “we are able to do some pretty amazing things. But this—giving families a Christmas to remember—has got to be my favourite. There’s nothing else like it.”
On November 27th, come be a part of something special. For more information, visit:
This week we were proud to hear from Ms. Bacon’s class of Robert Bateman Secondary School. Her
We are so delighted when we see students give with their time and their heart. Have you heard about our Free Dental clinic? Our on-site dental facility works with generous volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants that share their needed services with low income households through the Abbotsford Food Bank. To help meet the growing need 12 UBC Dental students and 2 instructors came for a 1 day dental blitz. We always have fun when the UBC students arrive!
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Photo credit: Bob Knight
Rotary District 5050 Governor Lyle Ryan presents the Outstanding Community Service Award to Abbotsford Rotary Club President Hugh Ellis and club members
The Starfish Pack Program, a joint project between the Abbotsford Food Bank and the Abbotsford Rotary Club, received its second international recognition over the past weekend.
During the annual Rotary 5050 District Conference, held in Tulalip, WA, the Starfish Pack program was presented with McLean Community Service Award, recognizing it as the most outstanding community service project in the Rotary 5050 District. Rotary District 5050 covers 58 Rotary clubs located in both British Columbia and Washington State, in communities from Hope BC to Everett, WA.
Starfish Packs provides weekly backpacks containing six meals each weekend to over 260 elementary school students in 22 Abbotsford schools during the school year. The Program also recently launched its first “Starfish Depot” which will provide food and other resources to school children and their families year round. In its first two years of operation, the program has brought together over 40 local businesses, service clubs, faith groups and hundreds of individuals to fund and deliver the program.
First show starts at 4pm – Family friendly FUNNY BROTHERS Improv show featuring musical guest Marika Siewert.
