We have granted $5,000.00 to the Cloverdale Community Kitchen (CCK) from the Surrey Community Relief Fund which has now completed its current cycle. With this as the third grant, the total amount distributed to CCK through this fund now stands at $21,000! The need for further funding is however still acute.
The Cloverdale Community Kitchen’s vision of a healthy and caring community for all began in 2011 as an extension of the Pacific Community Church. Through community support, they created a fully realized commercial kitchen by 2013. Over the years, they have worked toward alleviating poverty and ensuring food security. Today, they serve 15,000 hot, nutritious meals through their dinner program. They have also helped provide over 800 community members with food and toys through their Christmas Hamper Program. The Cloverdale Community Kitchen continues to adapt, now with the COVID-19 pandemic, to help feed and clothe people in Cloverdale, Surrey, North Delta, Langley and White Rock while also supporting them to find housing and jobs.
The Surrey Community Relief Fund has enabled the Cloverdale Community Kitchen to introduce their Mobile Meals program and keep it going, now serving hundreds of vulnerable community members per week. Matthew Campbell, the Director of the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, explained that “at the beginning of COVID-19, we heard that there was a big need to get people meals; they couldn’t come on the busses anymore and a lot of meals on wheels programs were unsure if they could take more clients.” As the “Mobile Meals program was sponsored by SurreyCares, we were able to make more meals and deliver them to hundreds of seniors across Surrey” in this time of crisis. “While we have around 300 people serving on a monthly basis, we are always looking for new volunteers!” Campbell emphasized that if there is anyone who could use a hot meal delivered to their front door, they still have capacity in their Mobile Meals program and can also help people out that way!
The Surrey Community Relief Fund is being delivered through a partnership with the Surrey Now-Leader, the Surrey Board of Trade and The Saheli Foundation. With added financial support from individuals, philanthropists and businesses, the goal is to raise and distribute $500,000 to address the increased demand due to the impact of COVID-19.
SurreyCares’ Executive Director, Christine Buttkus added that “this funding is supremely important as food insecurity continues to increase. There are a medley of communal issues that arise beyond the holidays and they are amplified with COVID-19! We are looking to keep the momentum of giving going through and beyond the Christmas season so that non-profits like the Cloverdale Community Kitchen can continue their amazing programs.”
Due to the increased demand to serve seniors, people with disabilities, and others that are extra vulnerable during the pandemic, this funding will allow them to increase the number of meals served per night from 100 to 150-200 thus successfully building on their capacity to give.
Individuals and businesses who wish to support Surrey charities are asked to give to the Surrey Community Relief Fund to help support the most vulnerable populations in Surrey.
"We are grateful for the amount of community support we have seen directed at our local charities who are in constant need of extra support," said John Lawson, Chair of SurreyCares. “Charities and non-profit organizations have been leading the charge to assist those who need it most in the fight against COVID-19. We know the need for funding is still significant and we’re urging our community to continue to give.”
For more information on Cloverdale Community Kitchen’s services for people in need and for people wanting to volunteer or donate, visit their website at https://www.mycck.ca/