NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH PORCUPINE FOOD BANK
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Melissa Narduzzi, President of South Porcupine Food Bank Inc. (SPFB) says, “We express our gratitude to South Porcupine Pride for letting us use their Scout Hall to store and pre-package food and hygiene items since late June, while we searched for temporary locations for our food bank operations. Giant Tiger very kindly has let us use their canopy and table as we have been serving clients outside since June 29 from our van in front of our previous food bank location.”
Jackie Miller, President, South Porcupine Pride, stated that, “We wanted to help out the food bank as soon as we heard about the fire, and we were happy that our building suited their purposes for the time they needed it.”
Tammy McIntyre, Manager, Giant Tiger (Porcupine Mall) said, “It was a no brainer for us to help out SPFB this way. We are glad that clients could be served so soon after the fire.” Melissa continued, “We are extremely grateful to Metro. Metro has offered SPFB large spacious rooms for free at Porcupine Mall for up to six months for our food bank operations, and starting Saturday, July 31, we will be open to our clients on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m., and on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. We can be found in Unit A15, with the closest access from the west side mall entrance.”
“Metro Ontario is happy to be in position to help the South Porcupine Food Bank maintain their operations so they can continue their great work serving the community,” said Carmen Fortino, Executive Vice President and Ontario Division Head, Metro Ontario Inc.
In addition, Melissa stated, “SPFB has also signed a twelve-month lease for the building with entrance at 97 Bloor Avenue, which is close to our previous location. Work is ongoing to get this facility ready for full-service food bank operations within the coming months.”
Melissa added, “We have been blessed with an outpouring of food drives and monetary donations towards getting us back on our feet. Since the fire on June 25, we have received more than 10,600 lbs of food and hygiene items and over $40,000 in monetary donations. Truly, the communities of Timmins-Porcupine, Kapuskasing, Cochrane, Kirkland Lake and beyond have many hearts of gold!”
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