Driven by the increased cost of living and the significantly reduced employment opportunities through the winter months, what started out as a supplemental canned goods source for local Baysville residents has become a vital source of support for many residents in the Lake of Bays Township.
Unfortunately, the need has never been greater, say organizers.
Initially, the food bank helped fifteen to seventeen people in the Baysville area. That number has been steadily climbing. For the past few years, volunteers have served clients along the Hwy 117 corridor, through Dorset, Dwight, and about halfway up Brunel Road.
In the past year alone, the number of clients jumped to twenty families and fifty-seven people, up just under forty percent from the prior year. Those directly involved with the Pantry say most of the working-age clients work one or more part-time jobs yet still don’t earn a living wage.
The Pantry’s food costs increased a staggering 61 per cent compared to the previous year. In addition, and for the first time ever, the Lake of Bays Winter Pantry is supporting six families and 18 people through the summer season as well. Also, for the first time since its creation, the cost of purchasing the needed food and operating the Pantry has exceeded the value of donations, resulting in an operating loss of just under $20,000.00, a large portion of which was covered by a reserve built pre-COVID.
Organizers are asking for help
A similar situation is anticipated in the upcoming 2024/25 season, and organizers and volunteers are asking for your financial help.
If you can help, they ask that you consider donating via e-transfer to [email protected]. You can also donate via cheque by making it out to Lake of Bay’s Anglican Parish, with a note saying LOB Winter Pantry on the memo line. Cheques should be mailed to Lake of Bays Winter Pantry P.O. Box 71, Baysville, Ontario P0B-1A0. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20.00 or more.
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