By Staff
April 23rd, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
Resilience, the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events.
That became possible for hundreds of people who are served by Food for Life when a $195,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) was announced. The Foundation is where lottery ticket proceeds go.
The grant supported Food for Life’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 by adapting and rebuilding a robust volunteer program to increase volunteer leadership and enhance capacity to support thousands of households each week.
From the left: Regional Chair Gary Carr, Food for Life Erin Vandenberg (Manager – Volunteer Services), Food for Life Executive Director Karen Randell, Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington and Jermaine Chambers (Ontario Trillium Foundation Representative).
Karen Randell, Executive Director of Food for Life, thanked the volunteers, stating, “April 15-19 is National Volunteer Week, and Food for Life celebrates fostering an environment where individuals come together to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We could not serve over 4000 families with fresh, nutritious food without our volunteer team’s hard work and compassion. Their dedication and commitment are the driving force in our mission to combat food insecurity.”
Erin Vandenberg, Volunteer Manager at Food for Life, highlighted the organization’s progress, noting, “With funding from the OTF, we are continuing to develop our volunteer leadership program to enhance further and improve the Food for Life volunteer experience as well as provide an opportunity for additional and varied volunteer experiences and growth within our organization.”
Food for Life is a dynamic food rescue agency that addresses food insecurity in Halton and Hamilton. By partnering with local businesses and communities, Food for Life rescues surplus food and redistributes it to households in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
Resilient Communities Fund and the tireless dedication of volunteers, Food for Life continues to make a positive impact combating food insecurity right here in our community.”
The grant supported Food for Life’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 by adapting and rebuilding a robust volunteer program to increase volunteer leadership and enhance capacity to support thousands of households each week.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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