Great chance to help Sources Langley Food Bank this week

 
Sources Food Bank photo
A van used by Sources Langley Food Bank was stolen on Friday, one of several calamities the organization has suffered in the past week. A fundraiser and chance to donate food to the organization is planned on Thursday at Jimy Mac's Pub in North Langley, from 4 to 6 p.m.

A Christmas fundraiser for the Sources Langley Food Bank takes place this Thursday – and it couldn’t come at a better time.
As reported by the Langley Times online today, the food bank, which initially set up shop in Langley in September, 2014, has been hit by a terrible series of calamities in the past week. Gift cards were stolen Thursday, the food bank’s van was stolen Friday, its gas card was used illicitly to the tune of $1,300 and the van itself, after being found abandoned in Aldergrove on Saturday, isn’t driveable at present. See  http://www.langleytimes.com/news/361964391.html for more detail.
Sources has been operating its food bank from the United Church of Langley at 5673 200 St. It has about 600 clients. It is a branch of a successful food bank that has been operating in South Surrey and White Rock for the past 30 years. Unlike the long-established Langley Food Bank, it is a member of Food Banks BC, and subscribes to its code of ethics.
Bruce Strom, the Sources Food Bank Langley operations manager, said earlier this year that the agency takes a “low-barrier” approach, only requiring clients to provide picture I.D. to show they live in the area.
If someone happens to be homeless, or without picture I.D., arrangements can still be made, he added.
“Dignity and respect, that’s how we like to treat people,” Strom said. “Not making them jump through hoops.”
Thursday’s fundraiser is courtesy of an organizing committee which wanted to help Sources, and also of Jimy Mac’s Pub in North Langley, which is hosting the event. From 4 to 6 p.m., representatives of Sources will be at the pub, at 19935 96 Avenue. They will accept donations of food and cash. All donations of $20 or more will receive a tax deductible receipt.
Those attending will have a chance to say hello to Santa and Mrs. Claus and their elves, and can also enjoy a free turkey sandwich with all the trimmings, courtesy of Jimy Mac’s. There will also be happy hour prices on drinks. Transportation to and from places of business will be available, with the shuttle service seating six people plus the driver. Advance notice which can be provided about the need for the shuttle service would be appreciated. People interested can call Kim at Jimy Mac’s at 604-888-8830, after 4 p.m.
The event is a great chance to help Sources get past the challenges it has faced this past week, and in particular to help its clients who are in need of food. Given the high cost of living in the Lower Mainland, many people need help from food banks, even when they are working. People who are willing to share and help others have an ideal opportunity to do so on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the food bank is hoping some one might be able to provide a van or financial help to rent one.
"We are in desperate need of help," Denise Darrell, director of community services, said.
"We are a registered charity (and an) accredited agency in excellent standing, so we can provide tax receipts."
She can be reached at 604-541-4820 or 604-351-7821.
 

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