Bringing Hope Through Connection Hope and connection sit at the centre of a mighty team of individuals who coordinate and volunteer at a weekly foodbank in Byron. Collectively known as the Byron Cares Food Bank, this big-hearted group operates their program on Tuesdays and Fridays at Byron United Church to help address food insecurity. Byron Cares has been operating since 2013 when clergy from several local churches agreed to create a centralized food bank hosted at Byron United Church. Today, it is an outreach ministry organized and supported by five Byron and area churches: Byron United Church, Byron Community Church, St. George Catholic Parish, St. Anne’s Anglican Church and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church. More than 50 volunteers distribute food to their clients, putting in at least 1,500 hours in shifts throughout the year. That number doesn’t include time spent unloading, sorting, and stocking shelves with donations received from various organizations, community groups, and individuals. The people using the Byron Cares Food Bank come from all walks of life. Single individuals form the largest segment of clients; however, volunteers are seeing an increase in large families and new Canadians. The overall number of people using the food bank is also increasing. “In 2021, we only had six or eight people during a shift,” says Byron Cares Steering Committee member Carol Cavanagh. “Now our record is 37.” Individuals and families requiring assistance register on their first visit to Byron Cares, which gives them monthly access to basic staples like canned goods, breakfast foods, quick meals, and beverages such as coffee, juice, and dried milk. Byron Cares takes a unique approach to its program by maintaining a stocked pantry with standard items available to clients each time they access the food bank. The client chooses the items they want using an order form, and volunteers assemble the order. Clients can also select extra items in the “Market” room, which contains an ever-changing assortment of donated items not part of the regular pantry. The Market changes weekly, but it often has things like bread, fruit, vegetables, and sometimes luxury items like potato chips. In the summer, gardeners and community gardens will donate fresh produce. “Instead of handing over a box of things we think they need, our system gives our clients some choice,” explains Lorilee Down, another Steering Committee member. “They also love the market because they never know what will be available there.” Volunteering at the food bank can be hard work, but making a positive difference for their clients and having the support of the Byron community keeps the Byron Cares team engaged. “One day, a client selected a box of Shreddies in his order,” shares Steering Committee member Patrick Cavenagh. “He was so delighted because it brought back such warm memories from his childhood.” In another instance, a young boy found a bright orange crocheted toque. “He was so full of joy with this long skinny cap,” shares Carol. “He couldn’t speak English, but as he left, he turned, and with a huge smile, wished us all a ‘Feliz Navidad!”
While most clients are grateful for the help they receive, it can be difficult for others, adds Lorilee. “Some feel a deep sense of shame. We don’t judge anyone. We’re just here to make things a little easier for everyone.” The team deeply appreciates the many individuals, schools, community groups, and organizations that pitch in week after week to keep the food bank going. “We couldn’t do this work without their ongoing support,” adds Monica Cashen who is also on the Steering Committee. The power behind Byron Cares is the desire to offer hope and connection to those who need it. The team has created a cascading impact that reverberates throughout the neighbourhoods, circling back to the amazing work they do. Consider being a part of that impact by supporting this worthy Byron initiative. Located at Byron United Church, 420 Boler Road, Byron Cares Food Bank is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 3 pm. You can drop off donations at the church office weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. Please use the Boler Road entrance. Byron Cares Steering Committee members (from left to right): Lorilee Down (Byron United), Tina Dobkowicz (Byron United), Carol Cavanagh (St. Aidan’s), Monica & Steve Cashen (St. George Parish), Marianne & Patrick Cavenagh (Byron Community Church)
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December 2024 Page 13
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