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| Path: Main Street : Resources & Library : Research Articles : Feature Article |
Non-event proves popularDecember 26, 1995; Canadian FundRaiser
Working with local organizations in 456 communities across the country, The Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) is helping ease the struggle of low-income earners by supplying emergency food relief to those in need, by sharing its expertise and information such as directing people to job clubs and food buying clubs, and by assisting them with government bureaucracies. Its greatest challenge: transporting 1.2 million pounds of directly donated food in addition to 812,000 pounds donated through larger food banks is an expensive proposition, even though volunteers do pick up much of the slack. CAFB's solution; a fundraising event that brings together community support and saving food - two fundamental concepts of the food bank movement.
Dubbed The Non-Dinner, this non-event provides an opportunity for CAFB's supporters to purchase a ticket without ever having to attend, over-indulge, or listen to long speeches. The head table is composed of people who would have attended a real dinner, and the chairperson's speech is even included in the invitation for reading at leisure. Modeled after a similar program held by the Kitchener-Waterloo Food Bank, CAFB raised $10,000. from its Non-Dinner last year.
"We hope to double that amount this year," said Sara Davidson, Assistant National Co-ordinator. "To that end, we sent out twice as many invitations as in the past, and are fortunate to have The Canadian Federation of Independent Business doing a mailing on our behalf as well."
The facts on hunger are startling. Each year over 100 million pounds of food is distributed to some 700,000 each month. Forty percent are under 18 years of age, even though only 25% of the general population are children. In Winnipeg, one in ten children ate food bank food last year; in Edmonton 50% of the recipients are children; and in Halifax-Dartmouth one in four women who use the food bank still go a day, or longer, without food, so their children won't have to. Every dollar donated in Montreal distributes $22 worth of food, and since 1990, the number of people served in Niagara Falls has risen 300%! Given these statistics, there is little wonder that the $50. tickets for individuals and $500 corporate tables are moving well. So if your organization is lean on human and financial resources, you may want to consider mounting a Non-Dinner. It may be just the ticket!
For more information (416) 203-9241.
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