Sorrento Food Bank Serving the Community
By Debbie Harris, Sorrento Food Bank Volunteer
The Sorrento Food Bank was started in 2006 when The River of Life Church, under the direction of Reuben Pauls, began making Christmas hampers in his basement. The enterprise grew and moved to the upstairs of the Thrift Store in Sorrento. It was then that Pauline Kam started an actual non-profit food bank for Sorrento.
The food bank was run by a series of volunteers but lacked efficiency. In 2008, the organization decided to interview and hire a full-time manager to run the busy food bank.
At that time, the food bank was supported by the BC Lottery Corporation. A grant application was submitted for wages for a manager. The Lottery Corporation rejected the application, saying they had to pay the wages themselves for one year before they were able to apply for a wage grant. As challenging as that was, the little non-profit decided that was the route to go. They continued providing food securities for community members.
It was a happy day when Tina Hysop was hired for the position of Food Bank Manager starting January 1, 2009; she still very ably serves as the food bank manager. There are 20 members of the community who are regular volunteers. It is open on Wednesdays from 9 am to 3 pm weekly.
The Sorrento Food Bank is hugely supported by the surrounding community and their generous donations. They collect food, refundables and cash to be able to keep this organization running.
They currently serve an average of 12 families or singles a month as well as providing approximately 25 emergency hampers a month. Come Christmas time, they will serve as many as 70 families with full hampers and gifts.
Copper Island Care has just recently joined the food bank efforts and collects gifts for seniors via a Christmas tree with tag system. Many gifts are homemade or purchased and donated. The local fire departments conduct an annual fundraiser for the food bank and that has helped to bridge the gap many times.
In the fall, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints runs a federal food drive for local food banks. This year, a successful drive ran in September. Thank you to everyone who participated. Our division, with our diligent volunteers, is very successful, collecting over 6000 lbs. of food each year! The CPR Christmas Holiday Train also holds an annual fundraiser as it comes through Notch Hill.
The Sorrento Food Bank is an active member of the Community Response Network (CRN), an organization that provides a monthly platform for all non-profits serving the community and especially seniors to gather, communicate and support each other.
The Sorrento Food Bank relies heavily on the community and is extremely well supported. They are ever so grateful for all they receive. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to the Sorrento Food Bank, please contact Tina at 250-253-3663 for more information.
