After years and years of looking, the Lake Cowichan Food Bank finally has a place to call home.
The Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society has entered into a long-term lease with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria at the St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church on 62 Fern Rd. in Lake Cowichan.
“We would like to thank the many volunteers, community members, businesses and organizations that have helped to get us where we are today,” said food bank president Betty Sanddar.
The new facility, which is on a bus route and is within walking distance of the town, offers more space to the food bank to store their provisions. A new tent will keep clients dry while waiting in line for their groceries. Parking is also available for those with vehicles.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society to St. Louis de Montfort,” said the Most Reverend Gary Gordon, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Victoria. “It’s a true blessing that we are able to offer this space that will help so many members of the community, and we are looking forward to a long and fulfilling relationship with the Society and its clients.”
The first distribution day at the new centre will take place on Jan. 11, 2023.
Regular clients are reminded to register through Community Services by phone at 250-749-6822 by Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.
New clients must register in person at Community Services and must bring their BC Care Cards for each member of their household.
Also, a reminder that while the Lake Cowichan Food Bank does not offer regular hampers for December, Cowichan Lake Community Services is once again facilitating their annual Christmas Hamper program.
Families or individuals who qualify and would like a Christmas Hamper in December are required to register in person through Community Services, at 121 Point Ideal Dr., by Dec. 7, 2022 (open Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)