Markham Ward 8 Councillor Isa Lee recently presented a total of $100,000 — raised through her community event 2021 Fight Hunger Food Drive Challenge — to three food banks.
Isa Isa Lee, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and event co-chair Lenny Wong presented 105 Gibson Centre Food Bank a $50,000 cheque; Markham Food Bank and The Food Bank of York Region received a $25,000 cheque each at the ceremony, with roughly 20 event sponsors, beneficiaries and media present.
The 2021 Fight Hunger Food Drive Challenge consists of three parts – sponsorship from businesses and organizations, food donations from residents and Profit Donation Day where participating restaurants donate a portion of their profits any day of their choosing this December.
Data from the HungerCount Report 2021 shows that in March 2021 Canadians made 1.3 million visits to food banks – that is a 20 per cent increase from just a year earlier, and the largest since the 2008 recession. Over one in four food banks experienced more than a 50 per cent increase in demand.
As the pandemic continues, many families and individuals are faced with unprecedented challenges. Lee explained that she organized this food drive in hopes of providing food to as many families and individuals as possible this holiday season. Lee said she set an ambitious goal of $100,000 and was overwhelmed by the support shown through businesses and individuals.
As part of the event, Lee set up a donation booth at 105 Gibson Centre on December 11 to collect food and personal care items. Within just two short hours, she received 802.5lbs in donations.
The organizers hope to collect about 6,000 lbs. of food and personal care items by the end of the entire food drive.
For more information, visit www.isalee/fighthungerfooddrive.
Photo: Councillor Isa Lee, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and event co-chair Lenny Wong present 105 Gibson Centre Food Bank a $50,000 cheque.
