Thanksgiving is just around the corner, making it a nice time to reflect on our good fortune. We live in a country where most of life’s necessities – in particular food – are close by, and can be had with a quick swipe of the credit card.
Hungry? Just hop in the car and visit a restaurant or grocery store. Or head home where the refrigerator and cupboards are probably well stocked. At least for most of us.
Food Insecurity in the GTA
Some, however, don’t live in this reality. They’re skipping meals not to shed a few pounds, but to put food on the table for their kids – so at least they don’t go hungry. Food insecurity is a growing problem in the GTA, and thankfully, there are organizations that provide some relief. And thanks to the businesses and individuals who support them.
At Vince’s Market, we have a long-standing relationship with our food banks, and regularly encourage customers to show their support. Particularly during those times when this lack is most keenly felt by families in need.
We carry food bags in a variety of dollar amounts, which include nutritious staples to help families build a healthy meal. Why not add one to your purchase this week, as you’re checking out your grocery cart? I sure will before the long weekend!
Community Product Initiative Give-Back
Our Community Product initiative is another year-round effort to support life-changing charities. Launched in 2018, it has been growing weekly, with funds accruing at each of the four main stores where Vince’s team members had helped select a local charity. With each flyer, a new ‘community product’ is identified, from which 15% of total sales of that item are set aside.
We are pleased to announce that, to-date, the Community Product initiative has raised $13,000.
We still have three months to go and hope that our customers’ generosity continues to grow as we enter the holiday season.
“We are more than pleased with the response from our customers, which allowed us to make four large contributions last year, and will do the same in 2019,” said Giancarlo Trimarchi, Partner and Chair of the Community Support Committee at Vince’s Market. “Now that we have established this program, we hope our ‘community product’ becomes a regular item in their shopping baskets – a win-win for our customers and these local causes.”
In 2019, the Community Product initiative is supporting these four organizations:
Newmarket: Community Living Central York
Founded in 1954, Community Living Central York provides a friend, a job, and a home to adults in our community with an intellectual disability. CLCY’s support and care is lifelong – for as long as it is needed.
Our Vision: A community where everyone belongs.
Our Mission: Enable people with an intellectual disability to achieve their fullest potential.
CLCY supports approximately 400 individuals each year. Services include, day support programs, employment strategies and job placement, supported group living, supported independent living, associate/foster family care, and respite support.
Plans are underway to move into a new, larger home on Penrose Avenue in Newmarket – one that will reduce the wait list and greatly increase programming capacity. For more information, please visit: http://www.clnad.com
Sharon: Holland Landing Food Pantry
Holland Landing Food Pantry prides itself in the philosophy of giving a hand up, not a hand out. It is the only in-library, pop-up food pantry in York Region, located at the East Gwillimbury Public Library, Holland Landing Branch.
Assisting families and individuals with food security issues, this essential service provides access to food without the barrier of transportation – and the costs associated with travelling to a food pantry in another community.
Community members and business partners, like Vince’s, make donations that stay local and support marginalized individuals. Volunteers are also key to their ability to support the large number of clients they serve monthly.
The organization takes a holistic approach to wellness, which includes literacy, employment assistance, housing, and social services referrals.
For more information, contact christinestewartconsulting@rogers.com
Tottenham – Matthews House Hospice
Founded in 2003, Matthews House Hospice is a 10-bed Centre of Excellence in Alliston that shoulders the stress and anguish of caregiving – allowing families to focus on their loved ones. This dedicated team of professionals and volunteers walks with them throughout their journey of illness and grief.
MHH provides residential, round-the-clock services, along with in-home care – allowing individuals suffering from illness to remain in comfortable, familiar surroundings. Matthews House Hospice also offers bereavement support and wellness programs, as well as support for caregivers.
Visit https://www.matthewshousehospice.ca for more information
Uxbridge – Uxbridge Loaves and Fishes Food Bank
Established in 1989 by Uxbridge residents Bob and Dorothy Enkel, the Uxbridge Loaves & Fishes Food Bank is a charitable, non-profit organization that puts food on the tables of approximately 80 to 100 families each month. They serve individuals, couples and families from all walks of life, as well as people on disability and seniors with limited resources.
The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors, and relies on the dedication of more than 30 volunteers. The Food Bank receives rotating monthly donations of non-perishable and fresh food items from local churches, and benefits from the generosity of individuals, the local business community, and service clubs.
Located at St. Andrew’s Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Loaves & Fishes is open every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. For more information, please visit: http://uxbridgefoodbank.com
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Vince’s Market would also like to thank Metroland Media Group for their support of The Community Product Initiative by providing complimentary space in the East Gwillimbury Express, Newmarket Era, Uxbridge Times Journal, and Alliston Herald, to promote the item of the week. Thank you for your commitment to the community!
