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Masset food bank support acknowledged

Submitted by Cathy Camp--The Greater Massett Food Bank is run exclusively on volunteer hours and donations. It has evolved into a regular community service and it's encouraging when people and businesses donate their support. This comes in the form of volunteers to unload food when it's delivered, fill the bags and distribute them.Thank you so much to everyone who responded during the year especially Linda, Pat, Karl, Debbie, Jack, Becky, Jordan C, Jordan SB, John, Charnelle, Jordyn, Heather, Cathy and Corina. We all get busy in our own lives but all it takes is an hour or two a month to make a big difference.Local businesses and their staff, such as Haida Bucks, have run loonie auctions and donated the proceeds. This means we are also acknowledging the donors of these auctions items. Gratitude is extended to all who support these auctions. Donations of money have been received from individuals, businesses such as RipTide Charters, North Arm Transportation, staff from local businesses, such as the Credit Union, Career Centre and the Transition House, and the Credit Union board of directors. We have also received donations from local fishing charters and lodges. BC Ferries gave generously along with Gary Coons who donated his "wage raise" to non-profit organizations. A trio of students from Chief Matthews School, who call themselves the "Chief Matthews' Recyclers" donated the proceeds from recycled bottles and cans. Tahayghen students, families and staff had an art auction and donated the proceeds. All of the above donations amounted to more that $7,000 and we wish to extend our sincerest gratitude in your help for this food bank!We continue to receive donations from our community shoppers at the Delmas Coop who support us quite generously with the "Food for Hunger" bags. These are pre-filled bags of food that can be purchased at the checkout. Did you know that last year 164 bags with over $1,250 worth of food were donated? Thank you to all who can manage that extra $7 to $10 at the check-out!Other individuals have helped to fill up donation boxes in town. The Old Massett Health Centre had a Family Dance before Christmas and the admittance fee was a food bank item. Thank you everyone who donated! We received a ton of donated food from the wonderful students and staff at Tahayghen. Your gifts and efforts are admired and much appreciated. There were donations of baked Christmas goodies to hand out with the hampers again this year. What a marvellous gift from all the bakers who donated. Howaa!Atwell Family Foods made a huge food donation. Delmas Coop also donated food during the transfer to the new store. Omega Packers donated frozen crab which we included in the hampers at Christmas. We receive food donations from community members on an ongoing basis and sometimes simply as thoughtful as a couple of bags of rice! Spankies & North Coast Supplies have generously donated 'in-kind' donations in the form of clothing and toys that were a wonderful addition to the hampers. The staff and students of George M. Dawson had a 'toy drive' for our Christmas hampers.Finally, we have to acknowledge the generous support bestowed upon us through grants from Gwaii Trust. Without their substantial assistance the "Food Bank" would be unable to supply all the food that is needed each and every month.It's wonderful to know we have secured a place in the generous hearts of our communities' members and businesses. We base our success on all the donations we receive and we'd like to emphasize the need for continued support throughout the year. We perpetually face the enormous challenge of finding funds to sustain our increasing needs. Last year, in 2007, we handed out 1,242 bags of food! As you can see the demand is apparent, and as much as we may not like to think about it, this will be the reality for some time. There will always be someone who needs assistance whether it be short term where we address the immediate need of helping people feed themselves and their families or addressing the bigger picture of "helping people help themselves' over the long term.Take the time to consider doing something incredibly worthwhile and positive. Whether you give your time, your energy or your monetary contributions there is never a minimum donation.We can be reached through the Haida Gwaii Society for Community Peace office at 626-4664.Howaa and thanks to each and everyone for another successful year.