Reminiscing the holidays-seems like just yesterday. Yet, with today’s snowy weather makes me think of the wonderful victorious success we had at fundraising $7000 for our holiday hampers in December! Thank you to all our beautiful and fantastic donorsđź’ś.
Thank you Greater Vancouver Food Bank for supporting us with the grant to make this possible, thank you City Reach Food Bank Society for all your contributions of produce and extras and thank you Vancouver Food Runners for getting the food delivered to Frog Hollow by your amazing volunteers! Our circle of food hubs are dynamic!
We served 247 individuals (115 families) Holiday Hamper support over the holidays. It was the highlight of the year for me, I feel so blessed with the funds that we received to support our families in need, especially during these times with the rise of rent and food inflations, you would not believe the smiles on the families faces when they were provided with a bag of food and a gift card to make their holidays happier.
This is the beauty of outreach because the connection and the sense of belonging cultivated and foster trusting relationships. And as we sat together and they shared their stories of challenges and health interventions, it gave me an opportunity to provide resources and words of encouragement and empowerment. The families felt seen. They are struggling with the rise of rent and inflation of food so the hampers just made it all so much less stressful-not have to think about how they were going to provide over the holidays for the their families. One family said “this indeed is a Very Very Merry Merry Christmas. Another mom said over and over again “Wow! Wow!” and then she cried of relief. Several families expressed mental health challenges and how overwhelming it was for them- they added having this hamper took the load of the family and can focus more on thier loved ones”
The feedback goes on and on and the connection resulted in a much more meaningful interaction. It helped to connect so that they can understand our neighbourhood house is a safe space for all. The hugs and exchange of kindness and gratitude made this hamper extra special with the additional support from the food hub. My heart is full and I am forever grateful.
It’s now January 17th, there’s almost two feet of snow outside here in Vancouver and it’s a great way to start the year… pure…clean… ready for new adventures!
I’m looking forward to see what happens this year, spring will be here soon, stay tuned!
Frog Hollow Community Connections Blog 