FortisBC is providing funds and staff to help deliver meals to homes, food hubs and community kitchens.
Community food programs continue to face tremendous pressure as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. To help address the shortage of both funds and volunteers, FortisBC stepped up: they provided funding to the hardest hit food programs across B.C. and their Street Team staff were reassigned to assist with food distribution in the Lower Mainland.
The FortisBC Street Team delivers
The eight-person Street Team spends two to three days a week sorting and delivering food to hubs and community kitchens on behalf of United Way British Columbia. They also deliver Meals on Wheels packages to vulnerable, homebound seniors in Vancouver and Richmond on behalf of the Health & Home Care Society of B.C. Street Team staff typically attend community events to help customers learn about saving energy and other FortisBC programs. Distributing food to people in need is keeping the Street Team busy doing meaningful work while events are on hold.
Street Team member Shawn Tie says, “This experience has provided me with a firsthand look at the enormous need in our community. I really appreciate the work these organizations are doing to address it, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to dedicate time to help. It’s been really gratifying.”
Gabriella and Shawn from the FortisBC Street Team have been distributing meals through the summer.
Donation to distribution
United Way British Columbia worked with FortisBC to identify and distribute funds to communities across the province and to our network of Local Love Food Hubs in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. The Food Hubs provide people with food supports closer to home, and in some instances, deliver food safely to peoples’ doors. United Way is working to expand this network and keep the hubs open at least until the end of the year.
“The global pandemic created a huge increase in people seeking help and it is critical that we support people who cannot afford food. Significant donations like this help build healthy, caring, inclusive communities,” said Kim Winchell, Senior Director, Strategy & Operations, Community Impact and Investment at United Way British Columbia. “We appreciate FortisBC for stepping up to support our COVID-19 relief efforts. Their contribution aids our Local Love Food Hub efforts to feed children, families, seniors and others in crisis.”
Together we can make the community stronger
United Way is thankful for FortisBC investments in grassroots community initiatives that contribute to a stronger and healthier B.C. While this support will extend our resources a little longer, the need remains high – especially as we enter into the Fall and face the possibility of a second COVID-19 wave.
COVID-19 had a devastating effect on our communities. Our most vulnerable and isolated citizens, those who were already struggling before the pandemic struck, have been hardest hit by the global crisis – facing unforeseen job losses, food scarcity and increasing mental health issues. But many others are finding themselves newly vulnerable too.
Thanks to the exceptional support and generosity of our donors like FortisBC, United Way has been able to pivot, develop and adapt programs to serve immediate needs and provide support to individuals and families. We adapted our kids’ and seniors’ programs. We launched a Community Builder program that serves 27 Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley neighbourhoods. And we launched 130 Local Love Food Hubs throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
FortisBC and their Street Team stepped up in this time of need. Show your local love. Donate today.