British Columbia Legislature 42nd Parliament, 2nd Session (2021) Statements, 19 May 2021

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From YouTube: MAY 19 2021 Statements Garry Begg

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The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
2nd Session
42nd Parliament

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Member for siri guilford. Thank you honorable speaker. We pride ourselves in supplying nutritious food in a respectful and dignified environment. In addition, we believe it is our responsibility to connect our clients to other community services as a means of helping them become self-sufficient.

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We take pride that we invite, inform, involve and inspire our community. That's part of the vision statement of the surrey food bank, which last week held their annual breakfast with the bank. It was an amazing success with over 57 000 and counting raised, and I, along with other supporters, joined virtually to celebrate, donate and to support this vital community organization that has served surrey and north north delta for 38 years.

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In june, 1983, the surrey food bank society was formed and opened in a dilapidated building on what was then the king george highway. The location and the society itself were seen as temporary measures. That would only be required until the economy turned around and people could get back on their feet.

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That temporary solution to a temporary problem has now grown to a 23 000 square foot facility in newton, three community depots, a fleet of five vehicles. Three lift trucks: more than 200 active volunteers and a core staff of 15..

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The surrey food bank currently distributes food to approximately 1200 families each week and has expanded its reach by providing food and high household items to the schools, shelters, missions and transition houses who are serving the vulnerable population.

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This type of growth, mr speaker, doesn't happen overnight and certainly doesn't happen without the support of a community that truly cares about its residents.

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It is clear that there's a crucial need for the surrey food bank services, especially in these uncertain times, but it's also clear that those who drive the organization, namely, namely donors, staff and volunteers, are all committed to meeting this need. For that. I applaud and thank them. Pope francis said it best. You pray for the hungry.

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Then you feed them. That's the way prayer works. I know that every member in this house will join with me in acknowledging and celebrating the surrey food bank for providing nourishing food for thriving communities free of poverty. Thank you, mr speaker.