Donations will support the development of a Community Food Centre.
THUNDER BAY — The Carpenters Union is throwing its support behind a $2 million capital campaign by Roots to Harvest.
Local 1669 presented a cheque for $150,000 to the Thunder Bay organization which recently announced a new partnership with Community Food Centres Canada.
The money will go toward purchasing and renovating the Fort William Road building where Roots to Harvest is based, as well as creating significant new programs there.
Evan Reid, local union coordinator, said “From past support as well as projects the carpenters have taken on to support Roots to Harvest, we have gained an understanding of the value [it] brings to the northwest region where our members live and work.”
Roots to Harvest said that with support from different levels of government, and $100,000 from Community Food Centres Canada, the union’s donation brings the campaign to more than 50 per cent of its goal.
Roots to Harvest board member Johnny de Bakker said the carpenters’ donation is the biggest single donation the organization has ever received.
The Fort William Road facility was previously rented from Community Living Thunder Bay.
Renovations will include creating a dining room and new Community Food Market space to provide a twice-weekly meal for elders and seniors, and a weekly subsidized fruit and vegetable market.
“The goal of two million dollars really sets us up for being able to create the best space and programs that will benefit people impacted by poverty and food insecurity in impactful ways,” de Bakker said.
He added “We feel honoured that Carpenters Union Local 1669 would get behind this work so strongly.”
Roots to Harvest is now soliciting large and long-term corporate contributions to support the community food centre project.
source tbnewswatch