Cambridge Food Bank says Canada Post strike comes at crucial time of year

The Cambridge Food Bank is concerned what impact the ongoing postal disruption might have on its annual holiday fundraiser.

“We rely on Canada Post to send out our holiday mailer, which is our largest fundraising campaign of the year,” said Dianne McLeod, CEO of the Cambridge Food Bank. “The funds that we receive from that mailer really sustain our food bank all through the year.”

On top of the annual donation plea missing from mailboxes, there’s also an inability to mail-in cheques until the Canada Post strike is over.

McLeod said it’s happening at a very crucial time.

“Here at the Cambridge Food Bank, we fundraise approximately $1.8-million each year to keep our operations going, and the bulk of that comes at Christmas.”

She said the Cambridge Food Bank is also seeing the highest number of visitors in its 39-year history.

“Prior to the COVID pandemic, we would typically see about 800 families at Christmas time, which would be our busiest time of year,” explained McLeod. “Last month, we saw just over 2,000 families and we expect more to come at Christmas, so this is a significant increase for us.”

McLeod said they respect postal workers’ right to advocate for fair working conditions, but noted mail service is crucial for the food bank’s campaign and their ability to receive monetary donations.

They’re asking people to pivot and provide donations online on their website or send an e-transfer. If digital donations aren’t your thing and you can’t drop off money, food bank workers will come to you.

“If anyone wants to make a cash or cheque donation, they just need to give us a call at the Cambridge Food Bank and one of the staff in a branded Cambridge Food Bank shirt will come out and pick up their donation.”

Non-perishable food donations are also in-need as they keep flying off shelves.

“Our most in-need items are almost everything these days, because the food that’s coming into the Cambridge Food Bank is going out almost as fast as it comes in,” said McLeod. “So things like cereal, peanut butter, tuna, canned chicken and salmon, vegetables, fruits — everything is needed and wanted here at the Cambridge Food Bank. Even if it’s just a can of soup, that helps too.”

McLeod said if you can’t pitch in food or funds, you can also donate your time by volunteering — or just help spread the word about the Cambridge Food Bank’s services. “We don’t want to be Cambridge’s best kept secret,” McLeod said.

More information on how to support the Cambridge Food Bank during the Canada Post worker strike can be found below.

• Online and E-Transfer Options: Donations can be made online at www.cambridgefoodbank.org or via etransfer to give@cambridgefoodbank.org. To receive a tax receipt, donors are asked to include their full name, address, phone number, and email address in the e-transfer notes.
• Drop-Off Location: Donations can be dropped off at 54 Ainslie St. S., Cambridge, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Donation Pick-Up: The food bank will arrange to pick up monetary donations for those who contact Sarah, our Donor Development Manager at stooze@cambridgefoodbank.org or call 519-622-6550 ext. 101