A heavily anticipated draw by the Pacific Rim Arts Society for $750 worth of groceries from the Ucluelet Co-op turned into a community wide celebration as the Tarling family donated their winnings to the Food Bank on the Edge.
“We are grateful to be part of such a wonderful community,” Greigh Tarling told the Westerly News. “The food bank and its volunteers provide a very important service.”
The Co-op made the announcement through its Facebook Page on June 7.
“Their generosity shines brightly,” the post reads. “Thank you Tarlings, your generous act is a true testament to the spirit of our community!”
Food Bank on the Edge Society executive director Cris Martin told the Westerly she was ecstatic, but not surprised when Greigh let her know his family’s plan as he has helped the Food Bank in the past, notably donating Christmas trees.
“First of all, a huge thank you. I shared with the volunteers what had happened and everybody’s thrilled. We always rejoice and celebrate when that happens. And, with Greigh, it doesn’t surprise me because he’s given to us in tangible ways. The Christmas trees were always just a gift, a pure gift at Christmas time for people who didn’t have a tree,” she said.
“It’s just a great pat on the back for us and we really appreciate it and thank them so much. It’s hard to find words to express it, but it’s a huge thank you.”
She added support from community members like the Tarlings fuels the society’s passion for the cause.
“I usually end up crying when I talk about it because it’s so meaningful to us to have that very palpable support from the community. It feels so good,” she said. “We feel elevated by our community’s support…The reason we are able to sustain our operation is the community’s support from locals and businesses.”
She noted that the food bank buys much of its supplies from the Co-op, suggesting the society spends about $3,500 - $4,000 a month on groceries there and purchased roughly 8,000 lbs of food from the Co-op last year.
“At a gut level, sorry for the pun, it means something to people to know that they’re taking part in helping to feed people. I also think that we’ve built up a confidence in the community and a reputation for the quality of our hampers,” she said.
She said that the need has remained consistent over the years with a wide variety of clients in need of assistance.
“You’d be surprised. Working people have had to come to us for help, two-income families. Inflation and the cost of food is hitting us hard out here,” she said.
“We have a very consistent group of people. The stats are that it’s almost 10 per cent of our population. That’s not an insignificant figure in my mind, especially when we see the various levels of families in need that you wouldn’t expect reaching out.”
Martin has been active with the food bank over the last 13 years and said the society has become more modern, implementing a computer system for registering clients and a website where donations can be made at www.foodbankontheedge.ca.
“We’ve kind of turned the corner and become more of a professional type of environment in terms of how we operate and how we do things,” she said, adding the society has a solid core of 12-16 committed volunteers.
“To me, that’s remarkable for a 100 per cent volunteer organization to have that much interest and dedication and across all generations. It’s lovely.”
She added that the society’s solid reputation has helped grow the community’s support.
“It’s astounding to me. I think a lot of it has to do with our attitude, empathy and compassion that we try to exude every week with our clients,” she said. “I think everybody feels like it’s their food bank. Not just people who use it, but people who contribute. I really think there’s a level of ownership and that the community feels like this is a community food bank and they’re here for us. I’m really proud of our volunteers.”
She added that those who donate to the food bank, through food items, cash donations or by sharing the “bounty of their gardens” enjoy helping to fulfill a basic need in their community.
“There’s a direct connection and they get a vicarious pleasure in my opinion knowing that they’re helping feed our community, people right here, next door, your friends, people you wouldn’t even expect. I think it’s meaningful for people and that’s why they do it,” she said.
“It’s very important. I know everybody is in our corner. I hear it all the time. Practically everyday people will ask me what’s going on with the building. People are excited. People want to help. It just is very gratifying and so heartwarming. It’s hard to find words. The amazing amount of support that we get is a game changer for us.”
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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