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A Growing Need: Help Us Keep Thunder Bay Fed in 2025

The holiday season is traditionally a time of giving, and for the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), it’s when they stock up on food to meet the needs of thousands in our community throughout the year. But this past holiday season, something changed. Donations were down – way down – and the impact is already being felt.

According to Volker Kromm, executive director at the RFDA, “Every year, we rely on the generosity of our community to ensure no one goes hungry. This year, the numbers tell a different story, and the reality is concerning.”

Based on RFDA figures, corporate donations dropped nearly 60 percent. Individual donations fell by nearly 30 percent. And while there were some bright spots – like increased union support – the overall decline means the RFDA is heading into 2025 without the surplus they need to serve those who rely on them.

As Volker Kromm puts it, “If we don’t act now, families, seniors, and individuals across Thunder Bay may go without the critical food support they rely on.”

“The Good Food Box is everything to me because it halves my monthly grocery bill. Rent prices make it hard to afford fresh vegetables and fruits, so this helps me to have a proper, healthy diet.” – A Good Food Box recipient.

Without immediate action, food supplies may be reduced for those in our community who count on this critical support.

This is where you can make a difference.

Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, you have the opportunity to double your impact and help keep the shelves stocked. Every dollar you donate between now and February 28 will be matched, up to $25,000!

PLUS, thanks to the CRA’s announcement extending the charitable donation deadline to February 28, you may be eligible to claim your gift on your 2024 tax return. Federal and provincial tax credits can add up, and you could receive as much as 44% of your donation back at tax time!

By way of example, a $500 donation could cost as little as $280 after tax credits, but provide $1,000 worth of food support thanks to the matching gift opportunity.

Make your donation today and double your impact. And help us keep Thunder Bay fed in 2025.

“We have been helping a single mother family with her three children as she attends University while completing her master’s degree. They enjoy healthy meals that they prepare together. Prior to accessing our program, she was stressed about having healthy food for her children, this has taken a lot of worry from her. She is grateful for the help and other services to help her children ages 3 to 18.” – Evergreen, a United Neighbourhood

Click here to donate now and help stock the shelves for those in need before the deadline of February 28.*

*Disclaimer: In accordance with CRA policy, receipts will be issued bearing the date on which the gift is received. While the Government announced its intent to extend the donation deadline to February 28, 2025, it is the donor’s responsibility to determine, in consultation with their professional advisors, whether a charitable receipt issued in January or February 2025 is eligible for 2024 tax relief.