The record-breaking number of people seeking assistance from food banks has motivated Markham Ward 8 Councillor Isa Lee to launch a series of food drives.
Lee brought collected donations to the local 105 Gibson Centre Food Bank on May 24, in preparation for her first food drive held in partnership with the All Saints’ Anglican Church.
Lee says she has been paying attention to the needs of food banks for years. Data shows that the average household income in Ward 8 is relatively low within the city, and rising costs have made the lives of many residents increasingly difficult.
Lee says she is grateful to All Saints’ Anglican Church for stepping up to the plate as the first co-organizer of this initiative. Going forward, she will be partnering with various local organizations every month in hopes of raising public awareness of food shortages and helping vulnerable groups.
All Saints’ Anglican Church Reverend Kevin Wong, co-organizer of the food drive, says that he fully supports Lee’s efforts towards encouraging public participation and promoting mutual assistance within the community. Through this event, he has gained a better understanding of the needs of those seeking help and plans to develop a long-term partnership with 105 Gibson Centre Food Bank to further help the community.
Manager of 105 Gibson Centre’s Food Bank Lok Ping Ng says she is thankful towards Lee and the All Saints’ Anglican Church for their generous support. Located in Ward 8 near Warden and Gibson, 105 Gibson Centre’s Food Bank assists over 300 families in the region every year, including new immigrants and refugees from Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan, providing them with free food, including fresh vegetables and also daily necessities based on the availability of supplies.
Any organizations interested in participating in this initiative can reach out to Councillor Lee at [email protected].
Photo: Markham Councillor Isa Lee brought a collection of food donations to 105 Gibson Centre Food Bank on May 24. She partnered with the All Saints’ Anglican Church for her first of a series of food drives.
