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What's in Our July Newsletter?
1. Your Impact in July 2026
2. Bag to School: Supporting 1,000 Kids
3. Mall Haul for Bag to School 2026
4. Bag to School Art Contest: Deadline Extended
5. Community Gives Back: Black Cat Pizza
7. Volunteer Spotlight: Ireti M.
8. Sustainers Circle
10. Community Highlights & Other News
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 recorded a record-high 1,946 visits last month, by far the highest monthly total in Bridges to Hope's history. This is a 14% increase from our previous monthly record, set just two months ago in May.
Children Served
Children (aged 0–17) accounted for 34% of all visits to our food pantry in July, meaning more than one in every three individuals served was a child.
Seniors Served
Seniors (aged 60+) represented 8.8% of all visits to our food pantry last month. This underscores the need for accessible food support for older adults in our community.
 
 
Supporting 1,000 local students to start strong this year
Bag to School Program from Bridges to Hope applications open details are mentioned here- this is their Back to School program through which provides school supplies for the kids or children in St. John's Newfoundland
Every child deserves to start the school year feeling confident, prepared, and ready to learn. Through our Bag to School program, we're helping local students begin the school year with fully packed backpacks and the essential supplies they need to thrive.
 
This year, we've already received 997 applications, and with more families continuing to reach out, we're expecting to support more than 1,000 K–12 students across the St. John's metro region. As the cost of living continues to place added pressure on many households, your support is needed now more than ever.
 
Every donation helps provide a child with the tools they need for a successful school year. More importantly, it helps them walk into the classroom feeling prepared, included, and supported by a community that believes in them.
 
Thank you for helping local students start the school year with confidence.
DONATE TODAY
 
YOU'RE INVITED: Mall Haul for Bag to School
Eco Eat Explorers program by Bridges to Hope Food Aid Centre shared by Bridges to Hope
Mark your calendars and join us on Friday, August 14, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Avalon Mall (Lululemon Court - Between Lululemon & Tommy Hilfiger) for an afternoon of family fun in support of our Bag to School program. We're grateful to be partnering with Avalon Mall to help local students head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.
 
Bring the whole family and enjoy Face Painting, Bracelet-making, and our Art Table, while learning how you can help local students head back to school with confidence. We'll also be joined by a live on-location radio broadcast, adding to the excitement throughout the afternoon.
 
Whether you choose to donate new school supplies or make a financial contribution, every gift will help us support local kids and families.
 
As a special thank-you, the first 10 people to make a donation at the event will receive a complimentary branded hat and a special in-store discount generously provided by Tommy Hilfiger (In-store conditions apply).
 
Come celebrate the power of community, connect with our team, and help make a bright future for local children and families. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay connected before the big day! RSVP to receive event reminders, behind-the-scenes content, and exciting updates leading up to our Bag to School Community Event.
RSVP on Facebook

Want to donate school supplies?

Please find our Bag to School supplies wish list below. 
  • Backpacks
  • Crayons (24 pack)
  • Washable markers
  • Colouring pencils (24 pack)
  • Binders (1-inch or 1.5 inch)
  • Wooden & mechanical pencils
  • Pens
  • Liquid glue
  • Glue sticks (big & small)
  • Latex free erasers
  • Exercise books
  • Scissors
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Duotangs (assorted colours)
  • 30cm ruler
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Highlighters
  • Scientific calculators
  • Geometry sets
  • Headphones
You can drop off the items in the school supplies bin that will be placed in the Avalon Mall (from August 12 to September 8) or at our office at 37 Cookstown Road, St. John's.
 
Art Contest Deadline Extended:
Recognizing Young Talents
This year marked the launch of our very first Children's Art Contest as part of our Bag to School program, and we couldn't be more delighted with the response. We've received so many wonderful submissions, each showcasing the creativity, imagination, and unique perspective of the talented young artists in our community.
 
Every piece of artwork tells its own story, and it has been a joy to see the enthusiasm and creativity shared by the children who took part. We extend our sincere thanks to every young artist who entered the contest and to the families who encouraged and supported them along the way.
 
We're proud to share just a few of the incredible creations we've received and celebrate the amazing talent within our community.

Deadline Extended: If you have not submitted your child's artwork yet, submit by August 10, and the winners will be announced at the end of August.
 
Community Gives Back: Black Cat Pizza
Our Tap-to-Give initiative continues to grow, creating more opportunities for neighbours to support neighbours with a simple tap.
 
This month, we're grateful to Black Cat Pizza for hosting our travelling Tap-to-Give station. Known for their artisan sourdough, Detroit-style pizzas and creative menu, Black Cat Pizza has become a favourite stop for pizza lovers across the city.
 
As a locally loved pizza shop, Black Cat Pizza NL has joined us in helping make a difference for our neighbours experiencing food insecurity by giving customers an easy way to support our food pantry while they visit.
 
If you're stopping by Black Cat Pizza, keep an eye out for our Tap-to-Give station. Every donation stays right here in our community, helping us provide dignified and accessible food assistance to neighbours who need it most.

Oh, and one more thing... Every tap comes with a complimentary cookie, baked with love by the Black Cat team! 🍪
 
P.S. If your workplace, business, or community space is interested in hosting our travelling Tap-to-Give station, we'd love to hear from you at info@bridgestohope.ca.
 
Behind-the-scenes at Bridges to Hope
🚌 Bag to School donation box
Behind the scenes, our Bag to School Donation Bus is taking shape! This custom-built donation bin is being prepared to travel to Avalon Mall, where it will be on display from August 12 to September 8, collecting school supplies to help local students start the school year with confidence.
 
A heartfelt thank you to James, Evelyn, and Alicia, who have been busy painting and adding the finishing touches, and to our talented volunteer, Rick, who built the box for us!
🌾2,000 pounds of quinoa!
Every day in food banking is a new adventure! Last week, our friends at Colemans donated nearly 2,000 pounds of quinoa to help neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
 
James and Lesley collected the donation and shared it with fellow food banks, community centres, and meal programs across the city.
 
We're grateful for community partners like Colemans, whose generosity helps ensure wholesome, nutritious food reaches those who need it most.
After the Bell
 
During the summer months when school is out, many children lose access to essential school food programming. Through Food Banks Canada's After the Bell Program, Bridges to Hope is able to provide nutritious snack kits to help support local children during the summer break. These kits complement the year-round snack assistance we provide to families with school-aged children, helping ensure kids continue to have access to nutritious snacks to help them grow.
 
We're grateful to Food Banks Canada for partnering with us to help feed children in our community.
 
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Bridges to Hope. Each month, we take the opportunity to recognize one of the incredible individuals whose time, dedication, and compassion help make our work possible. This month, we're delighted to shine the spotlight on Ireti M!
 
Ireti joined Bridges to Hope as a practicum student and has quickly become a valued member of our pantry team. Throughout her placement, she has supported everything from stocking shelves and portioning food to packing hampers and welcoming neighbours at our intake desk. Always ready to lend a hand wherever it's needed, Ireti's positive attitude and genuine care for our community have made a meaningful difference.
 
We caught up with Ireti to learn more about her placement experience:
 
When did you start volunteering with Bridges to Hope?
I started volunteering with Bridges to Hope in May 2026 as part of my placement for a Mental Health and Addictions program.
 
What is your favourite part of volunteering at Bridges to Hope?
I enjoy meeting people from different walks of life and be part of something that makes a real difference. I love knowing that even a simple conversation, a smile, or helping someone access food and resources can brighten their day. The staff and volunteers have also made me feel welcomed and valued from day one.
 
Tell us a fun fact about you!
 
I am naturally compassionate and enjoy helping others whenever I can. Seeing people feel supported brings me joy.
 
 
Thanks for being a part of our team, Ireti. People like you make our community stronger!
 
Want to Support a Neighbour Every Month?
Join Our Sustainers Circle
Our Sustainers Circle is a special group of monthly donors who help provide reliable support for our food pantry and community programs throughout the year.

Their ongoing generosity helps ensure we can respond to immediate needs while continuing to build a stronger, more food-secure community.
Join the Sustainers Circle
 
 
Community Highlights
Roth Lochston
A big thank you to the Roth Lochston team. They spent time with us and lent a helping hand in our food pantry.
 
Volunteers are an important part of what we do, and we're grateful to have community-minded people like you supporting our neighbours.

Thank you for your continued support!
 
Sharing The Harvest NL
Earlier this month, Barry from Sharing the Harvest NL dropped by with 5.8 kg of fresh rhubarb for our food pantry.
 
Barry has become a familiar face at Bridges to Hope, and his generosity never goes unnoticed. He continues to share the harvest with our neighbours, helping bring fresh, local food to our pantry whenever the season allows.
 
Thank you, Barry!
East End Vet Hospital
Throughout the month of July, East End Veterinary Hospital generously hosted our travelling Tap-to-Give station in support of Bridges to Hope.
 
We're grateful to their team, clients, and visitors for helping make this initiative a success and supporting neighbours experiencing food insecurity.
 
Thank you, East End Veterinary Hospital!
Local High School Student Hamzah
Local high school student Hamzah A. organized a food drive in support of our food pantry, with donations being accepted at Bridges to Hope from July 13-17.

We were inspired by Hamzah's initiative and grateful to everyone who supported the food drive.
Farmers Market
We were at the St. John's Farmers' Market last Saturday, collecting donations for our Bag to School program and sharing information about our upcoming Mall Haul event.
 
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, made a donation, or took the time to say hello. Special thanks to the St. John's Farmers' Market for having us.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who donates, drops by to check on our shelves, asks how they can help, and spreads the word about the growing need in our community.
 
None of this would be possible without your kindness and generosity. Thank you for standing with us and our neighbours.
 
Other Updates
Upcoming: Community Booths
We'll be at the Avalon Mall Community Booths raising awareness about our food pantry, Bag to School program, volunteer opportunities, and other ways to get involved.
 
We invite you to stop by, say hello, and learn how you can help support your neighbours.
 
Dates: August 15, 22 & 29 (Saturdays)
Location: Avalon Mall
Upcoming: Mall Haul for Bag to School 
Join us for the Mall Haul at Avalon Mall in support of our Bag to School program. Enjoy family-friendly activities, meet our team, and help local students by donating school supplies or making a financial contribution.
 
Date: Friday, August 14
Time: 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Location: Avalon Mall (Lululemon Court - Between Lululemon & Tommy Hilfiger)
 
 
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.
 
PS: If this email landed in your spam or promotions folder, please move it to your inbox or add us to your safe sender list so you don't miss future updates.
37 Cookstown Rd, St. John's NL A1C 4G7
info@bridgestohope.ca
(709) 722-9225
Charitable Reg. No. 859148009RR0001