MOO! Juice

Joe, his pregnant wife and two children moved to Calgary from the Maritimes, excited about job possibilities in Calgary. Sadly, what they expected to find was very different from reality.  They turned to the Food Bank for support.

Would you like to raise funds to buy them two food hampers and milk for two months?

• Full Project Summary

  What if you had to uproot your family for the promise of a better life? What if ‘the land of opportunity’ wasn’t what it seemed?  When the jobs are harder to get than you had thought? When a roof over your head is difficult to find yet alone afford? And the cost of living seems to rise every day?

  Joe* was inspired to make just such a move this past Spring. He came out West from the Maritimes, excited about the possibilities in Calgary. He was thrilled when he immediately found temporary work as a roofer, but struggled to find affordable housing for his pregnant wife and two young sons, ages 5 and 7. Joe could not get over the cost of living in the city and the majority of his paychecks went to cover rent, bills and medical costs. Then the work stopped. Winter set in and the days became colder. Even the slightest increase in the heating bill stretched their budget to the limit.

  This is a common testimony from many who have moved in search of better jobs and a better life. Individuals and families, like Joe’s, struggle when jobs are low paying and temporary. For some, positions are just out of reach because of a lack of education and training.

  It was a hard day for Joe, the day he came to the Food Bank. He tried to stretch his savings to make ends meet and put food and milk on the table. Now it was an emergency.

  Can you provide his family with 2 food hampers and their milk requirements for two months, allowing them to focus on getting back on their feet?  (Did you know more than 80% of people who use the Calgary Food Bank do so less than 3 times?)

   

• Information for Educators

  1.  A comprehensive 45 minute video entitled ‘Stack It, Pack It, Share It’ is available upon request. It describes Operations at the Calgary Food Bank and portrays the real life stories of three clients.
  2.  http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Learn-About-Hunger/Publications/Research.aspx
  3.  http://www.vibrantcalgary.com/vibrant-initiatives/poverty-costs-20/
  4.  tours of the Calgary Food Bank can be arranged
  5.  volunteer opportunities can be arranged for children 12 and older

• Project Outcome

  By raising the money to provide groceries and milk for this family of four, you are providing them with many of the nutrients they require to maintain their health as they go through what might be one of the most difficult times in their lives. Joe and his family, through your support and the support from other resources within the community, will find their way through this crisis. Often times, when they are back on their feet, they will give back to the Food Bank, by donating food, funds or volunteer time.

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