As Christmas rapidly approaches, Rupertites will have more options if they are having trouble putting food on the table.
The North Coast Transition Society (NCTS) and the Prince Rupert Unemployment Action Centre (PRUAC) began collecting non-perishable food items Thursday, Dec. 6, to distribute to families during the holiday season.
It is the first year these two organizations have gathered food for this purposed, something Paul Legace, coordinator and legal advocate for the PRUAC, said they did in response to community members saying they were unable to receive assistance elsewhere.
“We had some clients come in and mention that the food bank was closed and they were unable to get anything,” Legace said. “We thought we have some space here so we don’t mind collecting some stuff to put out to the community.
“We just want something open and if people need something now they can get it right now.”
Salvation Army Lieutenant Sabrina Silvey said the food bank closes every year for the month of December to prepare their winter hampers that are distributed on Dec. 20 and 21. She added that the program serves four times as many people in December than at any other time during the year.
While there is no food bank, Silvey said the Salvation Army still serves breakfast and lunch fives times per week as well as a brunch on Saturday. Also, if there is anyone in an emergency situation, Silvey said the Salvation Army would help as best they could.
“If someone comes to us and says they do not have enough to get to the Christmas hamper, we will help them,” Silvey said. “If we have the resources we will help them.”
Those who want to contribute to the NCTS and PRUAC’s efforts can contact the NCTS at 250-627-8959 or the PRUAC at 250-627-8776.
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