Volunteers thanked for 6,800 hours

Aylmer Food Bank survives via donors, volunteers

 

Julie Murray

The Ernest Guertin Foundation has donated $4,500 to the Aylmer Food Bank, its ninth donation in as many years.  “They are very faithful donors, very generous.  They understand very well the phenomenon of Aylmer families who need a little help to get by,” Gerard Emond, the food bank’s director, told The Bulletin.  He added that in the four months he has been with the centre, he has been impressed and moved by Aylmer’s generosity.  “Aylmer residents donate $105,000 annually.  We have around 225 volunteers who give 6,800 hours of their time to us every year; that is the equivalent of 3.75 full-time employees.   Aylmerites feel very attached to this food bank; they feel that it is an integral part of the community.  Their generosity of spirit is wonderful to see.”

 

The Aylmer Food Bank welcomes donations of food, money, and time.  Volunteers help sort the food, assemble bags of canned goods, serve at the cafeteria, help with chores and cleanup or even serve at various fundraising events.  These volunteers include students from Grande-Rivière and D’Arcy McGee high schools, the Cegep de l'Outaouais, and the Université de Québec en Outaouais.  To join in, contact the food bank at 819-684-0163.