Did you know?
There are people going
hungry in Markham,
but you
can't see them.
Did you know?
There are people barely
meeting their rent
or
mortgage commitments
each month.
Did you know?
While we do not see
the
homeless on Markham's streets,
we brush shoulders
with
the
near-homeless
every day.
Some Facts:
-
Over 600 people rely on the Markham Food Bank each month. That is about 150 families.*
- The majority of people accessing the food bank are employed.*
- The food that is donated to the Markham Food Bank is used to serve people in the Markham area.*
- In recent surveying, the #1 challenge to those living in Markham's downtown core was affordable housing.**
- Providing no-fee services to those struggling to make ends meet frees up important resources that can be used in other pressing areas.
The Steps The River is taking to address the need:
-
We have started a weekly food collection at our Sunday morning gathering
- Volunteer families from the River pick-up donated food from various community drop-off points throughout the month.
- A garden was planted and maintained by River volunteers. 100% of the harvested food went to the food bank. We plan to do this each summer.
- We have started a quarterly ReUse Store that provides free donated housewares, clothing and recreational items to those who rely on the Food Bank.
- Beginning this Fall, free-use laundry facilities will be offered to those in need from our downtown church office location.
Will You Help?
- Join us in the mission God has given us to help those in need right in our own neighbourhoods.
- To find out more about who we are and how we are trying to make a difference,
explore our website @ www.rougeriver.ca
*This information provided by the Markham Food Bank.
**Based on survey done by Rouge River Community Church, 2008.