Britt Community Church and Food Bank – A New Hope

The Britt Community Church is a long-established organization located in a small norther Ontario hamlet on the shores of Georgian Bay. During the COVID 19 pandemic, the church started a local foodbank that quickly grew to meet significant demands (Britt is on average over 1 hour from any other food bank or similar service). Many members of the community (more than ever) now rely on this, especially through the long and cold winter months where many community members are off from seasonal work. Rapid growth (as many of you know) has both negatives and positives. The demand grew very quickly, and we established strong links and support with the local first nations and other regional foodbanks (Henvey Inlet FN, Magnetewan FN, French River FN, Sudbury FB, Parry Sound FB - just to name a few – THANK YOU) and we were also very fortunate to receive a small grant from the United Way to boost our operations (2x Thank You). With this momentum and network, we worked very hard to raise additional funds (over $ 45,000) for key infrastructure projects including clean running water, a washroom facility, enhanced food storage and a reliable heart source for the cold winters.

Unfortunately, this past spring, we fell victim to internal fraud (currently under police investigation) and we were drained of all funds raised as well as burdened with additional debt from other fraudulent activities (now over $ 50K).

We are not letting this stop us …thus “A New Hope”...

This fraudulent activity took money and food out of the mouths of the people who need it the most. Although there are legal proceedings, they will take time, and we need help now!!!

Thanks to the resiliency of all the volunteers, remaining board, and community helpers, we are back and running with stronger protocols and practices, and have a whole new level of security and support. The community has come together, and we never had to cease operations. However, the demand from food and meals has more than tripled, and with tourists and most cottagers gone and the winter soon upon us, food, safe water, heat and donations will be a necessity for us to remain operational all winter.

We all have many friends, some of us can spare $ 1.00 and some $ 1,000 – our goal is to replenish our lost savings ($ 50,000) and rebuild bigger and better to continue to serve the needs of those less fortunate in Britt and surrounding area. Every dollar will make a difference, and 100% of money raised will help us continue on this great and worthy mission of aiding in food security for residents of Britt and beyond.

Thanks - please donate what you can...