We kicked off our “official” (not counting our date with The Woz) 2009-2010 event season last week with a Connect event at the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Why the Food Bank? It gave us an opportunity to showcase a much-needed not-for-profit.

Carol Leaman from the Food Bank’s BOD was kind enough to give the tech folks gathered last week some information on how vital the Food Bank is, and how you (or your firm) can help. Here’s a summary for those of you who missed the event:

• over 25,000 people in Waterloo Region use emergency food services
• 3 million pounds of food is distributed each year
• half of all emergency food recipients are children
• the Food Bank ALWAYS needs food – not just at Christmas or Thanksgiving
• donations of food or cash have a direct, day-to-day impact on our community
• every $1 donated to the Food Bank generated $8 of food. (Really good ROI.)
• the Food Bank’s Fall Food Drive is September 28th – October 16th this year.
• you (yes, you) can volunteer – sort food, organize a drive, be a driver. There are lots of ways to get involved.
• your firm can organize a team building event at The Food Bank. It’s a great way to support your culture while doing some good. (How about a Team Sort n’ BBQ event?)

I encourage you to visit the Food Bank Web site, call 519.743.5576 or email info@thefoodbank.ca to find out how you can give back to the people of Waterloo Region.

- Iain