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What's in Our May Newsletter?
1. Your Impact in April
2. Standards of Excellence Accreditation
3. National Volunteer Week & Awards
4. April Food Pantry Wishlist
5. Join Our Board of Directors
6. Volunteer Drivers/Passengers Needed
7. Community Highlights
8. Other Updates
Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre's Impact in the community shown in this picture

Hey, neighbours!
Bridges to Hope is committed to providing dignified and accessible assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. Our vision is a community where all of our neighbours have access to nutritious and culturally-appropriate food.
Food Hampers
Our food pantry saw a total of 1,708 visits last month, marking significant 20% increase compared to April of last year.
Children Served
Children (aged 0–17) made up 35% of total visits to our food bank last month, representing just over one-third of community members served.
Seniors Served
7.3% of total visits in April were seniors (aged 60+). Many of these food hampers were delivered through our partnership with Connections for Seniors.
 
National Standards of Excellence Accreditation
We are thrilled to share that as of April 2026 Bridges to Hope has been accredited under Food Banks Canada's National Standards of Excellence program!
 
The Food Banks Canada National Standards are designed as a baseline set of standards to which the food banking network holds itself accountable and benchmarks future performance improvement in client service and care, food operations, safe food
handling, governance practices, and more. The standards reflect the food banking network’s commitment to continually enhancing our collective capabilities to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow.
 
Bridges to Hope has been working hard for nearly 2 years to achieve this accreditation, and we're so proud of our team for making it a reality. Along the way we've introduced a number of new policies and procedures for our volunteers, and they've been rockstars the whole time - eager to learn, willing to adjust, and consistently committed to dignified and accessible client service. Well done, team!
 
National Volunteer Week 2026 & Awards
At Bridges to Hope, so much of what happens each day is made possible by our volunteers. Year-round you’ll find them sorting donations, packing hampers, restocking shelves, baking and cooking, and stepping in wherever help is needed, keeping things moving and making sure our neighbours are supported with dignity. Each year during National Volunteer Week, we take a moment to recognize the time and care they bring to everything we do at Bridges to Hope. 

On May 1st, we came together at St. David’s Church for our annual Volunteer Appreciation Gathering. It was a chance to pause, say thank you, and recognize the many ways our volunteers contribute to this work. Special thanks to Black Cat Pizza & Gaze Seed Company for donating prizes for our award winners!

This year, we were pleased to recognize a few individuals for their contributions also voted by their fellow volunteers: Mildred Cousens as our Volunteer of the Year, John Mackenzie & Trina Bailey as our Behind the Scenes MVPs, and Barbara Morrissey as our Rising Star.
 
Mildred's recognition reflects her outstanding 32 years of service at Bridges to Hope, caring for our neighbours from our very early days. John and Trina play a vital role behind the scenes, completing shopping and donation pick up every week, and Barbara has quickly demonstrated leadership through her enthusiasm to help others since joining our volunteer team just a short time ago.

While it was special to celebrate these recognitions, we’re so thankful for every volunteer who shows up and lends a hand. It’s this collective effort that keeps everything going, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Volunteer Week would not be complete without thanking the incredible members of our Board of Directors. They are a truly caring bunch who understand food insecurity is a complex issue that requires a flexible and multi-pronged response. Thank you for the leadership and guidance you share every month.
 
Thank you, everyone, for being part of this work and for continuing to support our community in such a meaningful way.
 
Kitchen volunteers: Anne W, Jenifer S, Meghan M, Sean C, Steve M.

Van Helpers: James B, John M, Trina B , Stephen P, Stephanie B, Emily L.

Pantry Volunteers: Aaron B, Abby B, Alan P, Anja R, Barb M, Barbara M, Bianca L, Candice B, Carolyn B, Chelsie T, David C, Elaine C, Fran V, Heidi B, Jack W, Jane P, Jeny B, Jim B, Joan C, Joan H, Julie H, Lisa B.P., Martha S, Maureen L, Melany O, Mildred C, Ntsoa R, Rick C, Rowan M, Sara L, Sophie G, Spencer W, Stephanie B.
Prep/Inventory Volunteers: Cameron W, Chloe R, Elder E, Elder G, Elder O, Elder S, Elise O, John D, Maggie O.C., Mary Lou D, Nathanael C, Patrick L, Sam F, Spencer M, Tianna P.C., Zoe J.
 
Board of Directors: Aidan M, Barbara M, Cheryl SC, Colette R, Doug M (non-voting - committee member), Elizabeth H, Ewan C (member ex-officio), Heather SM, Jim O, Ken P, Kim M, Miriam B, Pamela M, Stephen S.
 
 
May Food Pantry Wish List
Rice
Rice is a pantry staple across many cultures, making it a key item for our diverse clientele.
 
It’s a versatile base that helps families prepare nourishing meals in ways that feel familiar and comforting.
Ready-to-eat Meals
Convenient, ready-to-eat foods like instant noodles or ramen cups, canned pasta, packaged curry pouches, and mac and cheese cups are frequently requested by our neighbours.
Personal Care Items
Personal care essentials like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other hygiene products are greatly appreciated, as they support comfort, confidence, and dignity for those we serve.
Reusable Bags Needed
 
We are currently in need of clean, gently used cloth bags to help pack grocery orders in our food pantry.
 
These bags play an important role in ensuring food is distributed safely and efficiently to our neighbours.


Bags can be dropped off at 37 Cookstown Road, Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM.
 
Thank you for your support!
 
We're Recruiting Board Members!
Bridges to Hope’s Board of Directors is responsible for the governance, financial oversight, and strategic direction of Bridges to Hope. The Board meets monthly to discuss the needs and goals of Bridges to Hope.
 
We are currently seeking 4 community representatives to join our Board of Directors. We welcome applicants with a range of skills and lived experiences, particularly in areas such as fundraising, advocacy, law, non-profit governance, and risk management.
 
To learn more or apply, hit the button below!
APPLY TO JOIN OUR BOARD
 
Volunteer Drivers & Passengers Needed!
We’re looking for volunteer drivers and passengers to join our team!

Our van volunteers are essential members of our team, delivering support to our neighbours and carrying out retail food recovery, donation pick up, and shopping. If you enjoy being on the road and making a meaningful difference, this could be a great fit for you!
 
We are particularly in need of drivers/passengers during the following shifts:
 
Tuesdays, 9:00 - 12:00 PM (donation pick up)
Tuesdays, 1:30 - 3:30 OR 5:30 - 8:00 PM (food hamper deliveries)
Thursdays, 1:30 - 3:30 OR 5:30 - 8:00 PM (food hamper deliveries)

Requirements: Valid driver's licence & clear driving abstract (for drivers only), ability to lift up to 50lb (for drivers & passengers)

If you have any questions about these roles, please reach out to Jessica at volunteer@bridgestohope.ca.
 
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
 
Community Highlights
Newfoundland Embassy - DT Burger Battle
Big thanks to The Newfoundland Embassy for supporting our neighbours as part of this year’s Downtown Burger Battle!

A portion of proceeds from each DiploMac burger sold in March was donated to our food pantry, resulting in $767 toward the purchase of nutritious and essential food for the families we serve.
McInnes Cooper, St. John's
Our heartfelt gratitude to McInnes Cooper, St. John’s Office for organizing a food drive throughout the month of March! They collected nearly 400 pounds of food, along with $350 in donations for our pantry.
 
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate!
Shine Music NL
Many thanks to Shine Music NL and their studio family for shining a light on what community support looks like!
 
They hosted a food drive, collected non-perishable items in support of Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre and donated to help us serve our neighbours.

Thank you everyone who contributed.
Black Cat Pizza

Thank you to Black Cat Pizzeria at 13 Lemarchant Road for donating gift cards for our volunteer recognition awards!
Gaze Seed Company
Thank you to Gaze Seed Company for donating seed packets for our volunteer recognition awards!
Brogan Fire & Safety
Our sincere thanks to Brogan Fire & Safety for dropping off pre-made dry soup kits in support of our food pantry. Thank you for the time, care, and generosity behind this thoughtful initiative!
 
Other Updates
Upcoming: Door-To-Door Food Drive 
The Interact Club at Holy Heart is hosting a door-to-door food drive in the Georgestown neighbourhood in support of our food pantry. If you’re in the area, we warmly invite you to take part and support your neighbours experiencing food insecurity.

Date: Saturday, May 30
Location: Georgestown Neighbourhood
Ongoing: Happy City Sy. John's - Food Drive
Happy City St. John's is hosting Councillor Town Halls across the city this spring and summer, with food drives at each event in support of our food pantry.
 
If you’re attending and would like to donate, we invite you to bring along a non-perishable food item! Contact Happy City St. John's for more info.

Duration: Spring & Summer
 
 
Join us in making a greater impact! Share our mission on social media and help us reach even more of our neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
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37 Cookstown Rd, St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225