The food bank is collecting donations through September 15 as part of its annual No Gala Gala campaign
According to Adrian Bain, managing director of Newmarket Food Pantry, there are more generous things people can spend their money on than going to a fancy gala.
Demand for the food bank’s services is constantly increasing and donations need to be raised, but Bain said organizing a large-scale fundraiser like a gala requires resources.
“It was clear to us that donors wanted their donations to be used as effectively as possible while minimizing the burden and resources on the pantry,” Bain said.
The food bank is rerunning its “No Gala Gala” fundraiser through Sept. 15. The concept is to encourage people to donate the money they would have otherwise spent on a fancy gala to the Newmarket Food Pantry instead.
“The Ungala is an opportunity for the Newmarket Food Pantry to give donors the opportunity to make a difference and give of their time,” Bain said.
The food bank hosted the event for the first time last year and raised over $34,000. This year’s goal, like last year, is $20,000. As of August 26, over $18,000 has been raised.
According to Bain, the need remains high. Visits to the food bank have increased by 120 percent since 2020. In 2024, the food bank is expected to receive more than 25,000 customer visits.
“Month after month, we are seeing record numbers of customers visiting the food banks. 33 percent of them are children under 18,” Bain said.
All funds collected will benefit children and young people and their nutritional needs as they start school.
“Enjoy not having to come to this event from home or wherever you would rather be than at our gala,” the Newmarket food bank said.
Bain said food is a basic human right.
“Everyone has the right to access nutritious food. Addressing food insecurity is an investment in the future of our community.”
You can donate at canadahelps.org/en/charities/newmarket-food-pantry/p2p/second-annual-no-gala-gala or email (email protected).
