One of Canada’s largest credit unions is providing a sizable financial boost to food banks in several municipalities across the province, including Chatham-Kent.
FirstOntario Credit Union said it will be donating more than $135,000 to 18 food banks in Ontario before the end of the year.
“We know it’s been another challenging year for so many people and food banks are a lifeline for thousands of people in our communities,” said FirstOntario CEO Lloyd Smith in a news release. “We hope our continuing financial support can help relieve some of the growing demand food banks are facing, especially over the holidays.”
Chatham Outreach for Hunger said it will receive $10,000 from the donation to help support those in need in Chatham-Kent.
FirstOntario said there are an alarming number of people turning to food banks as a result of the pandemic, rising rental costs, and inflation, and it’s expected to continue.
According to statistics provided by the credit union, food bank visits in Ontario are up 16 per cent from 2021 and 43 per cent since 2019.
