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What's in Our October Newsletter?
1. Your Impact
2. 35 Years of Feeding Our Neighbours
3. Community Kitchen Updates
4. Community Highlights & Thanks
5. Events
Dear Valued Donors and Community Members,
Inspired by the values of dignity, respect, and hospitality, Bridges to Hope supports the community through direct food assistance, special programming that helps empower our clients, and food security advocacy in the St. John's-Metro region.
 
In this issue of our newsletter, we reflect on September and the level of demand seen in our food pantry. We also extend some well-deserved 'thank yous' and discuss some ongoing and upcoming events. Keep reading for all the details!
Food Hampers
In September, we distributed 693 food hampers, providing essential support to 1377 individuals, including 208 seniors, 104 single parents, and 472 children in our community.
Emergency Hampers
Our emergency food hamper is a critical resource for individuals who have already accessed their monthly food hamper but are in need of some additional support.

Last month, we provided 201 emergency food hampers.
First Time Visits
In September, we served 49 individuals who were accessing a food bank for the very first time.
 
We deeply appreciate our community's continued efforts in helping us address this challenge together
Total Visits
In September, we provided food assistance to 1377 total individuals. This represents a 24% increase in the number of individuals accessing our food bank compared to just one year ago.
 
 
35 Years of Feeding Our Neighbours
This October marks 35 years of Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre. Over the years, we've provided more than just food. We've supported the child who can focus in school because they started their day with a meal, the senior who found comfort in a warm bowl of soup, and the families who gathered around a dinner table, not just to eat, but to share moments of togetherness. Our mission has always been about more than food—it's about fostering hope and connection in our community.

Throughout this month, we will be sharing more about the history of Bridges to Hope with our mailing list and on our social media. Stay tuned to hear more about the early days of Bridges to Hope, how far we've come as an organization, and some of our plans for the future.
 
Community Kitchen Updates
A Special Treat
Last month, we received a shipment of strawberries that were about to reach the end of their shelf life. Rather than see them go to waste, volunteers Faith and Hayward spent a Monday morning cooking up delicious strawberry jam!

Their quick thinking turned potential waste into a sweet treat for dozens of families who visited our food bank.
Homemade Meals
In September, we prepared 320 servings of beef goulash and 280 bowls of chicken soup in our community kitchen, maintaining our commitment to offering nutritious meals to those we serve.
 
If your business, office, or group would like to sponsor a bulk meal, please contact us for more information!
Food Rescue
Throughout the month of September, our team continued their 'food rescue' efforts, saving good food from the landfill and redirecting it into the community.
 
In September we rescued 400 pounds of baked goods, snack items, and beverages, and one full pallet of crisp romaine lettuce!
 
Community Highlights
 
Thanks to our Corporate and Community Partners
Steers Insurance
We are deeply grateful for Steers Insurance for choosing us for the 21st Annual Steers Insurance Charity Golf Tournament, hosted in the beautiful Humber Valley.
 
They raised $10,016 through their fundraiser in support of our food pantry.
 
Our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this fundraiser.
Ecclesiastical Insurance
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ecclesiastical Insurance for their generous $5,000 contribution to the Steers Annual Golf Fundraiser.
 
It’s truly inspiring to see organizations come together to support our neighbors in need, reinforcing the strength of our community
 
Thank you!
Capital Mitsubishi
A big thank you to Capital Mitsubishi, their staff, and everyone who participated in 'Drive to End Hunger' throughout  the month of September.
 
They collected essential food items and generously donated $4,000 in support of our food pantry.
 
Your timely support is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to serve those in need.
Christine - Pampered Chef
We are thankful to Christine for hosting a Pampered Chef fundraiser in support of Bridges to Hope. 

She dropped by last month with a box full of bread mixes to be delivered to our clients.
Egg Farmers of NL
Our immeasurable gratitude to Egg Farmers of NL for their continued generosity.

Their donation of 120 dozen eggs each month means more members of our community have access to essential nutrition.
We are grateful!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, community partners, staff, volunteers, and everyone committed to realizing our mission of reducing hunger.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support.
 
Updates & Events
Ongoing
Fall Volunteer Recruitment
We recently took part in Memorial University's 'Get Involved and Volunteer Expo' and were inspired by the enthusiasm young students show for giving back to their community. Missed the event? Don’t worry—we still have volunteer positions available!
 
Visit our volunteer page for more details and to apply!
Ongoing
Haunting on Winnipeg
Drop by to see a spooky Halloween display and bring along a non-perishable food item!
 
Venue: 26 Winnipeg St, St. John's
Date: Ongoing now until October 31
Upcoming
OZFM "Cram the Cruiser" Food Drive
All are welcome to dop by with a non-perishable food item this Saturday.

Venue: Dominion, 260 Blackmarsh Road.
Date: Saturday October 5
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
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