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What's in our March newsletter?
1. Your Impact in February
2. New Mission & Vision Statements
3. Volunteer Spotlight: Norm B.
4. Most-needed Food Pantry Items
5. Special Thanks
6. Other Updates
 
Hey, neighbours!
 
In our March newsletter, we're taking a look at the last month in our food pantry. We also unveil our newly adopted mission and vision statements, tell you all about some exciting volunteer openings, and more!
Food Hampers
In February, we distributed 558 food hampers reaching a total of 1152 individuals. On average, our food pantry served 72 people each day it was open to the public.
Children Served
We provided food assistance to 330 children in February, representing almost 29% of total visits to our food bank.
Seniors Served
Our food pantry served 84 seniors (aged 65+) in February. We also prepared 71 hampers for delivery by partner organizations serving older adults (aged 55+).
 
Our Mission and Vision
At the February meeting of our Board of Directors, Bridges to Hope officially adopted new mission and vision statements. These statements affirm our commitment to providing low-barrier emergency food access, and will guide us as we work to increase our impact in the community.
 
Our Mission: To provide dignified and accessible assistance to those experiencing food insecurity in our community.
 
Our Vision: A community where all of our neighbours have access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food.
 
Volunteer Spotlight
Our volunteer team is at the heart of everything we do. In this monthly newsletter feature, we introduce you to the people who make our work possible!
 
For the month of March, we're highlighting Norm B! Norm is one of our dedicated Prep/Inventory Helpers. On Wednesdays, you can find him restocking the shelves, preparing school snack kits, or even mopping the floors! We caught up with Norm to ask him about his volunteer involvement:
 
When did you start volunteering with Bridges to Hope?
I started volunteering with Bridges to Hope in September 2024.
 
What is your favourite part of volunteering at Bridges to Hope?
My favourite thing about volunteering with Bridges to Hope is being able to directly support individuals in need by helping provide food and resources to the community. The sense of community and teamwork among volunteers makes it a very rewarding experience!
 
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I am a player and co-captain for the Memorial Seahawks Men’s Basketball team and have been playing university basketball for 5 years. 
 
 
Thanks for your commitment to supporting our neighbours, Norm! We're so glad to have you on our team.
 
Most-needed Items
Rice
Rice is a staple pantry item for many families who visit our food bank.
 
Whether long grain, brown, basmati, or instant, we'll put all types of rice to good use!
Canned Veggies
Fresh vegetables are offered in all of our food hampers, but canned veggies are a nutritious addition, too!
 
Common requests are for peas, mushrooms, corn, and tomatoes.
Personal Care & Household Items
We aim to keep a selection of personal care and household items available in our food pantry. Some helpful items are toothbrushes & toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper, dish liquid, and household cleaners.

Food donations can be dropped off at 37 Cookstown Road, Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Please ring the doorbell when you arrive!
 
Special Thanks
Some thanks are in order to some kind folks who got together to support Bridges to Hope in February:
 
- Two teams from Scotiabank returned for the second month in a row to help out for the day!
 
- The crew at Blue on Water collected food and monetary donations to keep our shelves stocked throughout these leaner winter months.
 
- The staff of Cowan's Optical on Elizabeth Avenue purchased and dropped off food items from our most-needed items list! 
 
Thank you to each and every person who participated in these efforts. Your contributions have an immediate and meaningful impact for our neighbours.
 
Updates
Volunteer Applications Now Open!
We are currently recruiting members for our outstanding volunteer team! We have a variety of weekly or bi-weekly time slots available. Whether you're interested in packing food hampers, baking bread, or stocking the shelves, there just might be a space for you!
 
For more details on each volunteer position, or to apply, please visit our website.
Free Tax Clinic for Bridges to Hope Clients
Thanks to the folks at Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPANL), in March we will be hosting a free tax clinic for those who access our services.
 
Don't miss out on the government programs and benefits you're entitled to! If you would like to avail of this free tax filing service, please contact us for more information.
Burger It Forward
At the end of February, Canada Beef, provincial beef cattle farmers and ranchers, and restaurants across Canada wrapped up another successful Burger it Forward campaign, raising funds for food banks nationwide.

As a result, Atlantic Beef Products Inc. will be donating $1500 in ground beef to Bridges to Hope this month! 
37-39 Cookstown Road
St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225