View in your browser
Dear Valued Donors,

We ensure every donation is diligently managed to optimize its effect, and we remain committed to maintaining transparency and accountability with our donors and supporters like you.
A Heartfelt Gratitude!

We express our deep appreciation to our donors and partners, whose enduring support is essential to our mission of reducing hunger. Your consistent generosity is the cornerstone of our achievements, and we truly value it. Please pause to recognize the considerable difference you've made in the last month.
Food Hampers
In July, we distributed 769 food hampers stocked with vital supplies to support those facing food insecurity.

This effort reached 1,376 individuals, including 231 seniors, 86 single parents, and 437 children in our community.

Thanks to our amazing community, we could not help them without you.
Emergency Hampers
Our emergency food support program is a critical resource for individuals and families in urgent situations, providing essential aid sufficient for 24 hours alongside their regular assistance.

Last month, our food pantry distributed 218 emergency food hampers which is a 7.9% increase from the previous month, June 2024.
First Time Visits
In June, we saw 27 new individuals and families turning to our food bank services. 

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support in tackling this challenge as a united effort.

Your generosity truly has a significant impact!
Children Served - 30% of Clients are Children
In June 2024, we provided healthy snacks to 437 children, who represented one-third of our clients for the month.

This reflects the growing difficulties many parents and families face in providing essential nutrition for their children and highlights the challenges confronting our community's youngest members.
Seniors - Numbers Increased
In May, we supported 186 seniors, but by June, that number had risen to 231, marking a significant 24% increase. This surge starkly illustrates the hardships seniors in our community go through.

Thank you for being with us in our  mission to relieve hunger for our neighbours of all ages.
 
Important Changes to 'Bag to School' Program
For over a decade, Bridges to Hope has been supporting K-12 students in the Metro region through our annual Bag to School program. This program ensures hundreds of students go back to class in September with a backpack custom-filled with the supplies they need for a successful school year.

In previous years, registration for Bag to School was on a first come, first served basis. Following feedback from our community, we are trying something new this time around to provide a more equitable application process.

This year, applications will open on Monday, July 15 at 9:00AM and close on Friday, July 19 at 4:00PM. Families who would like to apply will have three ways to do so:

1. Fill out the online application form (any time)
2. Give us a call (9:00AM – 1:00PM)
3. Drop by and fill out the application form in person during pantry hours (Tues-Fri 10:00AM-12:50PM)

Once applications close, families will be selected at random until the program has reached its capacity.
 
Community Highlights
After the Bell Program by Food Banks Canada
 

We would like to highlight the "After the Bell" program by Food Banks Canada, which generously provided us with 700 nutritious food packs in support of our pantry. These packs are especially needed during the summer months when school-based food programs are paused, allowing children to enjoy their summer activities with full bellies.

Each pack includes shelf-stable items such as milk, hummus, and cereal, enhanced with fresh foods like apples and yogurt, thanks to additional grant funding. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Food Banks Canada for their continued support in our mission to nourish children in our community.
Thanks to this Creative Initiative to Support our Cause
 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Art Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and Escape with Gary for their initiative in organizing the "Supermarket Artist of The Year" competition in support of our pantry.

Their thoughtful selection of Bridges to Hope as a beneficiary truly underscores their commitment to supporting our cause. A special appreciation also goes to Dominion Lake Ave. for not only donating a prize to the competition's winner but also matching it with a generous donation to our food pantry.
Lupin Planning Group Supports Bridges
Thanks to these kind folks for joining on a weekday.
They hosted a successful food drive, dedicated an afternoon of volunteering portioning bulk food items, stocking shelves, sorting donations, and many more, and generously gave a monetary donation to our food pantry.
A Much Needed Donation to our Clients

A heartfelt thank you to St. Andrew's Church and Atlantic Missions Association Society. They dropped by with 17 bags full of essential items like shampoo, sanitary pads, toothpaste, and other hygiene products.
Birthday Kits from Sunday School Kids

A big shout out to the St. Andrew's Sunday School Kids. They collected and sent us 81 birthday kits to give away to our clients.

It's heartwarming to see the younger generation stepping up to make a positive impact in their community.
Stride Running NL Donates to our Pantry

We are grateful to Stride Running NL for for their generous donation of $365 to our food pantry. 

We put this amount immediately to buying groceries for our clients. Thank you! 
Orange Theory Fitness Hosts a Bag Drive
Thank you Orange Fitness Theory St. John's for hosting a reusable bag drive in support of us. 

It's community partnerships like this that help us continue our mission.
Thanks to Immediate Community Response
It was just a quick notice on social media, and our supportive community reacted immediately. We received hundreds of reusable bags to serve our clients.
We are inspired by our community's quick response to assist!
 
Upcoming Programs & Events...
Bag to School 2024
Last year's "Bag to School" program was a remarkable success, distributing 468 bags to students from K-12 students in the metro region. This effort ensured that children in our community started their school year equipped with the essential supplies they needed to thrive. 

Due to unprecedented demand for this program, this year we aim to support 700 students, doubling our reach from previous years. Please stay in touch with our social media and website for more updates.
Food Drive at NL Folk Festival
The Folk Arts Society together with CAA  and NL Pony Society will be hosting a Food Drive at the NL Folk Festival in support of our pantry.
If you bring a non-perishable food item or a hygiene product, you can get your photo taken with a pony!

Date: Saturday, July 13th & Sunday, July 14th.
Time: 10.00am - 4.30 pm (Visit their website for more info) 
21st Annual Charity Golf Tournament by Steers Insurance
Mark your calendars for July 25th at Humber Valley Resort, where golfers will come together to support our cause:

If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities, registering a team, or donating, please reach out to Michelle Kelly at mkelly@steersinsurance.com.
 
Join us in making a greater impact! Share our mission on social media and help us reach even more people in need.
37 Cookstown Rd, St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225