Thank You For Feeding Families in a Time of Need

Mavis and Joe Punambolam had a history of helping others.

They never thought they’d ever be in need themselves.

Mavis and Joe both had steady work, in good paying jobs. They managed to pay their bills on time, and were helping their three oldest children go to university. They didn’t have any extra set aside, but they were managing.

That all changed when Joe, 52 at the time, was admitted to hospital with a brain bleed.

He ended up in a coma for the next nine months.

Now, Mavis had to earn enough to care for her family of four children. Often, there wasn’t enough.

“We were just eating once a day,” said Mavis. Co-workers who knew of the family’s plight helped out when they could, collecting money and donating a 50-lb bag of potatoes every few weeks. Another co-worker celebrated a 25th anniversary by asking guests to bring cans of food for the Punambolams.

But, even with this support, there came a time when Mavis had to go to House of Friendship’s Emergency Food Hamper program. It was a difficult decision.

“I was so ashamed. I had this good job, and I had to go ask for help,” said Mavis. “It was not easy.” But it was just the help her family needed, exactly when they needed it.

Joe miraculously recovered from his brain injury, even after doctors had said there was no hope. After his difficult and lengthy period of healing, Joe was still unable to work. He has found meaning in volunteer work, including at House of Friendship.

Every year, your generous donations help feed families like the Punambolams through our Emergency Food Hamper program. Last year, thanks to your support, more than 23,000 food hampers were provided to 18,000 individuals in our community.

Thank you for your continued support!