Every year, the entire community comes together to help our neighbours in need through House of Friendship’s Christmas Food Program, a collaborative effort between House of Friendship, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, countless volunteers, and the Rotary Club of Kitchener-Conestoga.
This year, while community members will still be able to receive additional seasonal items (items will vary based on donations) during the holidays, the way they will receive the food will look a little bit different.
Community members in Kitchener and Waterloo no longer need to register in advance to receive Christmas food support. Instead, they are encouraged to connect with the year-round emergency food programs available through the Community Food Assistance Network, supported by The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. These programs are already set up to help community members experiencing food insecurity and can provide support throughout the year – not just during the holidays.
To find food assistance:
The Christmas Support Network has the latest information on Christmas and holiday food and toy programs for communities across Waterloo Region at ChristmasSupport.ca. Each city and township offers different supports, and some programs require registration.
As in previous years, the Rotary Club of Kitchener-Conestoga is hosting its annual Turkey Drive, a crucial fundraiser to provide additional Christmas meal items for the holiday season. Donations can be made on their secure, online portal at turkeydrive.ca. As we try to serve more households than ever before – your generosity and support is more important than ever.
Volunteer opportunities
As a result of these changes, there will be fewer volunteer opportunities available for both individuals and groups. There will no longer be delivery driver or on-site volunteer opportunities throughout the first weeks of December at either The Food Bank of Waterloo Region or central distribution sites located at churches. The volunteers that regularly volunteer within our food programs, along with our staff, and additional leadership volunteers will be supporting the increased demand.
