The generosity of Londoners is abundant during the Christmas season. About one-half of our financial donations each year comes in over that period of time, as local citizens, companies, institutions and groups take the time to think beyond themselves and to help those whose holiday season will prove a challenging time. Some thoughts by co-director Glen Pearson.
- Jane Roy and Glen Pearson
Starting with the Santa Claus Parade and continuing right though until the first week of the New Year, the outpouring of good will from Londoners simply blows away anyone who visits the food bank during that time.
During and given time over the holiday season, some 400 food drives are held by companies, churches, citizen groups, service clubs, schools, mosques, veteran’s groups, etc. The food bank usually only hears of these many good efforts as the food is brought in. The London Food Bank itself doesn’t hold any official drives over the holiday season – what comes in during that time is due to the compassionate work and organization of a remarkable community.
Don’t forget that one of the reasons people donate to the London Food Bank during this important season is because we share roughly half of the food donated with over 20 other social agencies in the city. We consider groups like Mission Services, various shelters, feeding programs and other groups as important contributors to the quality of life in our community and are deserving of our support. This food is provided gratis because we believe that is what citizens would have us do. London’s bounty is for all those struggling to make ends meet.
The London Food Bank is now celebrating its 25th Christmas season in our community and we want to celebrate it with you. You have supplied our organization so faithfully over the duration that each holiday season we are humbled by your generosity and your commitment to the marginalized in our region. To each and every one of you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and the most meaningful of holiday seasons. Your generosity has put the giving back into Christmas and we are the better for it.
