You have been with the Sidney Lions Food Bank for 15 years. Can you give us a glimpse of the changes that have occurred for the organization over this period, highlighting some of the significant ones.
In that 15 years the Food Bank has been in three different locations, each one has been better than the last. The building we are located in now in Iroquois Park is by far the best! The Town Of Sidney owns the building and we have a $1 a year lease for five years. Their support just validates the need in this community.
Close to a million Canadians turn to food banks every month. This means that each and every month, 170,000 more people walk through the door of a food bank than was the case before the economic downturn. How does this number relate to us locally on the Peninsula?
The food bank was serving 400 people a month when I started, now it can reach as high as 1,200 people a month. All while the population on the peninsula is staying the same.
HungerCount 2014 (a comprehensive report on hunger and food bank use in Canada) reports that one-third of those helped by food banks are children. Nearly half of households helped are families with children, and close to half of these are two-parent families. Based on our demographic profile on the peninsula is this consistent with their results?
Our numbers are very much the same as the Hunger Count 2014.The percentage that surprises us that is so high is that 13% of our clients are seniors over 65.
There are a number of fundraising activities throughout the year that take place in our community to support the Sidney Lions Food Bank. Can you highlight some of these and how important they are to keep the organization thriving?
Every fundraiser no matter how big or small is very important to us. Two of our largest are the Latter Day Saints Food drive in September and the three fire departments’ collection in December. These both bring in a tremendous amount of food and cash. The schools and churches also support us all year round.
If one wanted to offer support to the Sidney Lions Food Bank, what are the variety of ways that they can do this? And what other items can be donated other than food?
Of course the obvious is monetarily, but volunteering is also another way. We have a large group of volunteers who work in the Food Bank and drivers who do our pickups and deliveries all over the peninsula.
The holiday season seems to be a time when we think of giving more than ever. How important is it for our readers to understand that the need in our community is year-round?
There is a saying in the food bank community that “Hunger Has No Season.” We are open 12 months of the year to service our clients.
Can you share with us what it’s like to be in this position after so many years and seeing the need so close at hand, every day?
It can definitely be depressing seeing all the different faces and age groups in the lineup, sometimes lined up an hour before we open our doors. Knowing that you are helping so many thankful people – through the amazing generosity of our community – is very rewarding.
Beverley Elder, Executive Director Sidney Lions Food Bank
Bev emigrated from Britain in 1968 with her parents. They landed in Manitoba where she lived until she met her husband. Through his military career they were stationed across the country, finally ending in Pat Bay until he retired. The couple have 2 children and a grandson.
Bev loves Sidney and its community. She has been with the food bank for 15 years as executive director, but is also on the board of Food Banks BC as a director. She is also a big supporter of the ‘Ride to Live’ motorcycle fundraiser for Prostate cancer.
