What a year it's been ... ... !
Foodbank Canterbury PO Box 167 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand 29 Kilmarnock Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 8011 www.foodbankanz.org.nz Email: info@ foodbankanz.org.nz Telephone: +64 03 930 1065
December 15th, 2020
To our great support team!
Kia ora
From Christchurch to Waimate, Temuka to Westport; in the city or in the country; young or old; working or unemployed; healthy or sick; the COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that anyone, at any time, in any circumstance, could need a little extra help especially keeping food on the table.
As a result of the pandemic during the past 9 months, we’ve had so many people contact FBC for the first time and many could be your neighbours. Robyn and her husband bought a house just before the pandemic … … their 7-year-old was doing well at school and Robyn was on track to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Life was OK. Within a couple of weeks, everything changed. The construction company where her husband worked for the past three years laid off about a third of their workforce. Robyn’s part-time job at the gym ended … … and they hadn’t even made their first mortgage payment! The need demographic had changed.
Because of Foodbank Canterbury and the generous contributions and support we’ve received from you - our Donor Partners, collaborators, funders, individual donors and the tireless efforts of our staff and awesome volunteers – even right through Lockdown, we have been able to fight food insecurity and give healthy food to those in need, just like Robyn. It’s a great feeling to be part of team that plays a role in making that happen!
And you are part of this great effort! Our sincere thanks to you all! The relationships that have been built before and during this crisis are very special. It is a matter of pride that so many in our communities and outside have stepped up – coming together to support each other.
Normally towards the end of the year, FBC would have an Appreciation function to thank everyone of you for your support and efforts in fighting hunger and feeding hope. This year however, the FBC staff decided to take the allocated budget and buy in supplemental food to meet the growing demand. We trust that you will understand and just accept this letter of appreciation from us at FBC!
Beyond the uncertainty of these challenging times, we are positive there is a silver lining to it all. As the days roll on, we continue to adjust the way we operate for the better. There has been a tremendous amount of change over the past few months in the way we distribute food. As the numbers we serve continue to
grow, this has enabled us to provide more food to people in need than ever before. And while we don’t know how long this situation is going to last, we have to just believe that together, not only can we make it through, but we’ll all come out stronger on the other side. Together we have the power to make a difference.
From all at FBC – our sincere thanks to you all – have a fulfilling holiday, stay safe and here’s to a new year with promise!
Janice & John Milligan
PS FBC will be closed – for a rejuvenating break – from December 23rd through January 5th, 2021
Formerly City Harvest Food Rescue