Iris Place welcomes The Food Bank…

Published on: Mar 26, 2005

Iris Place was quite proud to welcome The Wawa Food Bank to their premises last Wednesday. The Wawa Food Bank which had been operating out of The First United Church had been looking for a new home. Debbie Lessard, hearing of their search, offered them the front portion of Iris Place to use as “offices”. Not only did Debbie welcome the Food Bank, Arnold, a patron of Iris Place, had the kind heart to purchase a bouquet of flowers to welcome the volunteers to their new home.

By working together with Debbie Lessard of Iris Place, a portion of space was set aside. Pete Burgoyne with wood donated by Weyhaeuser, made a pair of cabinets on casters which open up to create a long counter with shelves underneath, for “patrons” to shop with ease. One problem at the United Church had been the lack of space. With the new counters, food is displayed on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and then just placed underneath, folded up and then with a table cloth becomes a part of the furnishings. Volunteers have noticed that they require less time to prepare for Wednesdays. Food no longer has to be moved from downstairs to upstairs in order to distribute to their clients. The Food Bank will always remember that the First United Church was their first home.

The Wawa Food Bank began eight years ago with inspiration from Rev. Kathryn. With dedicated help from Gail Smith and others that she has inspired in turn, the Food Bank continues to offer food on Wednesday afternoons.

The Wawa Food Bank receives generous donations from various community organizations, the most recent being the local Canadian Tire donation of $1193.09. These funds were generated through the Foundations for Families and the “Buy a Tree – Help a Family” programs. The Mowbray’s were instrumental in oraganizing the very large transport truckload of “reclaimed” food last summer. Gail once again remarked on the generosity from the residents of Wawa, wishing that they really didn’t have to provide this service, but glad that because of others generosity, they can. Happy Easter!