While we are all making attempts to ‘socially distance' and keep safe, we should not ‘socially distance’ ourselves from those in need.
A significant percentage of people in communities prior to the pandemic were reliant on local Food Banks.
As a result of this pandemic, and its unexpected repercussions, the Food Banks have received a surge of calls and people applying for assistance. CBC News reported Food Banks have called upon the Federal Government for assistance (https://youtu.be/Fhp0Zg4q_3s). This dire request was recently made in the House of Commons this past April holiday long weekend. This aid may not be enough and may be too delayed to satisfy the imminent need.
People have been laid off. There are many that are economically insecure. Items on shelves in groceries stores are limited, and deliveries of groceries can be weeks, if someone can afford the service and if it is available in their region. Many more families will be turning to the services of the Food Banks. There are further strains for Food Banks in the inability to receive direct donations, and for taking on more burdens as many centres have had to close.
There is no doubt this situation has been difficult on all of us. This is not the time to wallow. This is the time to show “what we are made of”, the reason we became members of a legal community.
So, Galbraith Family Law is starting a challenge to all law firms and lawyers in the York and Simcoe Regions. We challenge each lawyer and/or law firm in the York and Simcoe to the Food Bank Challenge! We invite anyone else interested in supporting the Food Banks to join us too.
The Challenge is that each person donate to a food banks of your choice from the attached lists (as the donations will go directly to the food bank location), with a minimum donation to each chosen food bank of $20.00 for the next 3 months. Of course if you can, please donate more! When you make your donation, you can email the confirmation noting the amount to
We will tally up the donations and at the end of the campaign, the winning firm will be announced.
The “Social Fare” Challenge is aiming to raise a total between two regions of $12,000.00. Let’s “Socially Fare”.
Simcoe County Food Banks
Alliston – The Good Shepherd Food Bank of Alliston
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-good-shepherd-food-bank-of-alliston-inc/
Angus – Angus Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/angus-food-bank-inc/
Barrie - Barrie Food Bank
https://www.barriefoodbank.org/donating/
Donations preferred on this page link as funds are directed quicker to the organization. The Barrie Food Bank gives back to the community and tries to buy local as much as possible.
Bradford – Helping Hand Food Bank
http://www.bradfordfoodbank.ca/bradford-food-bank-donations/
(cash or cheque donations – no direct online set up)
Collingwood – The Salvation Army Collingwood Food Bank
http://salvationarmycollingwood.ca/donations-2/
(The organization accepts direct donations and can be completed on phone by credit card or drop off of cheque)
Elmvale – Elmvale & District Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/elmvale-district-food-bank/
Midland/Pentanguishene – St. Pauls United
http://www.stpaulsmidland.org/Donations%20usingCanadaHelps
The site provides you can donate directly via interac transfer or directs you to the Canada Helps Site.
Orillia - The Sharing Place
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-sharing-place-orillia-incorporated/
Very active food bank that services 1700 people. Orillia has over 18% of its community in low income households. The Sharing Place is also taking intiatives to also help service community organizations that would not normally readily get food assistance such as Mens Shelters, Youth Shelters, Salvation Army . They have taken steps to ensure services are provided on a continuous basis while complying with safe distancing protocols.
Stayner – Clearview Stayner Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/clearview-stayner-food-bank/
Tottenham – Our Town Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/our-town-food-bank/
Wasaga Beach – Wasaga Beach Ministerial Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/40839
York Region Food Banks
Aurora Food Pantry
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3719
Georgina Community Food Pantry
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=OKcc77DNS2GMyQ1PwhL7yU0TDIa3H3AJDrWeUvo2gsWH0oVahNQvDaoHEPuBcP7YTgEVq0&country.x=CA&locale.x=
King Township Food Bank
http://ktfb.ca/fund-king-township-food-bank-general-donations/
Markham Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/9826
Newmarket Food Pantry
https://newmarketfoodpantry.ca/donate/
The Newmarket Food Pantry during this crisis is not only servicing their regional 500 families, but expect an increase of up to 800-1000 families as it is also assuming many of the food bank duties from East Gwillimbury as their providers are temporarily closed due to the COVID 19 measures. Financial donations go a long way as it can purchase volumes of food at a wholesale amount.
Richmond Hill Community Food Bank
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/richmond-hill-community-food-bank/#donate-now-pane
Vaughan Food Bank https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=r5MHumy5LcmWFGL0Vrx2G2SVMHv32z7DIJ1omhFTpXOiX3Ulf3gLHbo3zhK8zPT1aREhuG&country.x=CA&locale.x=
Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank
https://wsfoodbank.ca/donate