The Good Neighbours Valley East Food Bank opened its doors
to the public in
January 1994 when the Valley East Fire Department moved
to the new fire hall on Highway 69N. Since then, Anne Unwin, Chair of the
Board of the Good
Neighbours Valley East Food Bank Board of Directors, has
dedicated her
life to providing emergency assistance to people from all
walks of life and
from all age groups.
"We Do Not Judge Anyone",
declares Anne Unwin
With
over 100 people being served through the Good Neighbours each month, Anne
Unwin states that many volunteers find it difficult to understand how in a
country like Canada there can be so many people in need. Food Banks have
become part of a community support network that includes other
organizations such as the churches, the Lion's Club, the Knights of
Columbus and the Kin Club of Valley East. When a person is having a
difficult time in life, and if that person cannot get support from family
members, then someone has to be there to help out.
While the Food Bank is intended to be a short term emergency
assistance, there are some who are on disability pensions or on low
company pensions who find it almost impossible to get through the last
couple of weeks of the month until their cheques come in. That is why Good
Neighbours decided to open during the last two Wednesdays. Just in case
someone is in need of a few days of food to get over the difficult days.
Anne finds that the most important challenge for anyone coming to the
food bank is that many find it very humiliating and their pride is
terribly hurt. However, the staff is well experienced to help clients
overcome their feelings and to understand that everyone needs support
sometimes. That is why we are a community.
The Good Neighbours Valley East Food Bank is grateful to the City of
Greater Sudbury for providing them with the building rent and utility
free. The City also donated the food bank van.
Food donations are made by the schools, St. Jacques Parish, the Hanmer
Valley Chiropractic Centre and individual donors. Anyone who wishes to
leave food can simply stop at the Fire Hall on Highway 69N where there is
a drop off box. Anne is also appreciative to the Kin Club of Valley East
for their donations of money from a Nevada that they run locally and also
to the people who support their Nevada box at the Pinto in Sudbury at the
corner of Lasalle and Auger Streets.
Anne is happy to help the people who come to the Good Neighbours Food
Bank. But she worries about the people who have not come up with enough
courage to reach out for their assistance. She fears that there are many
homes where food is scarce and pride is keeping them away. If you know of
anyone who needs their assistance, please give Anne a call and find out
how help can be offered.
