Coming through in a big way

Tommy Kulczyk, Sun Youth Assistant to the Executive VP and Director of Emergency Services, with Lyne Lavoie, the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation's Director of Administration and Grants

Nicolas Carpentier

In July’s column we related how the Sun Youth Food Bank was having tough times because of greater demand and increasing food and gas prices. We are pleased to announce that our cry for help was well heard among the public, companies and community groups.

In response to our appeal, many organizations arranged food drives throughout Montreal. Individuals assisted us with shopping spree purchases brought to Sun Youth, and important cash donations were also made by the public, including many Senior Times readers.

So many people helped out that it would be impossible to name them all. Notable gifts include $20,000 for food purchases from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation , and thirty Montreal Scotiabank branches and Concordia University have been collecting non-perishable goods since our appeal was made. Senior citizens have also done their part. The Côte St-Luc Senior Men’s Club responded with an ongoing drive for non-perishable items. Major supporters have included Heinz Canada, St-Viateur Bagel and countless others.

Radio and TV coverage also helped, and special thanks go to Corus Québec for broadcasting a public service announcement on its 6 local radio stations.

So far donations have filled over 70 bins, or over 24,000 non-perishable food items! Though impressive, we encourage the public to continue helping as the toughest weeks are still ahead of us. From all of us, thanks for your immense generosity.

The Running Room/Walking Room is once again organizing a 3 & 5 mile race on Mount Royal with all profits going to Sun Youth, to be held Saturday, August 9 at 9 am. There’s still time to register – fees are $30. For info call Race Director Caroline Kronlov at 514-730-7804.