As the living wage soars, 1 in 11 families in Greater Victoria are considered low-income. Even more alarming is the fact that over 14% of local children are living in poverty, according to a recent study by the CSPC.
We believe that an equitable, sustainable, and affordable Greater Victoria is in reach, but is only achievable when we collectively work together to support underserved populations.
This holiday season, we are asking you to please consider supporting a local non-profit, family, or anyone who could use a helping hand.
Check out this list from Victoria Buzz which includes numerous charities and non-profits you could support this giving season.
The Mustard Seed
The Mustard Seed Street Church has helped fight hunger and restore faith to people living in harsh conditions in greater Victoria since 1975.
The Mustard Seed accepts food, clothing and Christmas hamper donations.
- Where: The Mustard Seed, 625 Queens Avenue
- When: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Food bank hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Victoria Community Fridge
The fridge operates on a “take what you need, leave what you can” basis, as an exciting way to strengthen the community.
Everyone is welcome to take whatever they need from the fridge, whenever.
The fridge is open 24/7 and directly accessible from the sidewalk.
Acceptable donations to the community fridge and pantry items include:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Unopened or bulk dry goods (pasta, rice, legumes, baking supplies)
- Sealed hygiene items (diapers, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, tampons, pads, and soaps)
- Sealed pet food, and snacks (granola bars, crackers, etc.)
Accepted products with labelled expiry dates:
- Bread and pastries
- Fresh eggs
- Dairy products or alternatives
- Soy products and meat alternatives
What the community fridge does not accept:
- Open or used items
- Raw meat or seafood
- Opened or half-eaten food (unless individually packaged)
- Alcohol
- Mouldy or seriously damaged bread or produce
- Frozen food
- Leftovers or premade meals*
- Where: Victoria Community Fridge, 2725 Rock Bay Avenue
- When: Open 24/7
The Rainbow Kitchen
Founded in 2010, Rainbow Kitchen is a family-friendly community kitchen that specializes in providing delicious meals and connecting the community to resources.
Everyone is welcome, no questions asked.
If you or someone you know needs food, Rainbow Kitchen can help. With a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, Rainbow Kitchen serves 10,000 meals every month.
The Rainbow Kitchen accepts pasta, rice, tomatoes, beans, canned vegetables, toiletries, cooking oils/sprays, coffees and teas, flour and sugar on a regular basis.
For those looking to donate fresh food products, the Rainbow Kitchen encourages people to contact them before dropping off items.
- Where: Victoria Rainbow Kitchen, 500 Admirals Road
- When: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sandy Merriman House
Sandy Merriman provides emergency shelter for 25 women who are homeless. We welcome trans women, gender fluid and non-binary people.
Due to staff shortages and limited space, the staff at the Merriman House are only able to receive donations on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
After the New Year donations will go back to being accepted on a daily basis.
- Where: Sandy Merriman House, 809 Burdett Avenue
- When: Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank
The Lions Food Bank accepts a variety of food donations and food hampers.
December donation hours include Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food hamper donations can be accepted Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Where: Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank, 9586 Fifth Street
- When: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Anawim House
The Anawim house is a drop-in and transition house for the homeless and those living on the margins in Victoria.
The Anawim House is able to accept donations of perishable as well as non-perishable food items. Dry food goods as well as maintenance supplies are also gratefully accepted.
If you have any questions about donations, please contact House Director Terry Edison Brown at (250) 382-0283 or e-mail info@anawimhouse.com.
- Where: Anawim House, 973 Caledonia Avenue
- When: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. With the exception of Wednesdays.
The Soup Kitchen
The Soup Kitchen is staffed by volunteers and funded by community donations, for 40 years the Soup Kitchen has fed those in need.
The kitchen’s brown bagged meals are given out to over 30,000 diners annually. For many, this is their only meal of the day.
The Soup Kitchen gladly accepts sealed and fresh food donations, warm clothes and personal care products. Those donating are encouraged to call 778-440-7687 if you have any questions.
- Where: The Soup Kitchen, 740 View Street
- When: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Full credit goes to Victoria Buzz for this list, view the original article here.