Banking on Food fundraiser returns this February

NEWS RELEASE
SKILLS
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Organizers of the local Banking on Food Fundraiser are excited to invite the public to come out for the third annual event at the Verdi Hall on Feb. 19.

Banking on Food is a fun event where you can share great food, learn more about our local food-growing community, and support local organizations working hard to support food security in Sault Ste. Marie.
 
Though the dinner is hosted by SKILLS, a local nonprofit dedicated to the establishment of sustainable year-round urban agriculture in Sault Ste. Marie, the funds raised will go toward a number of worthy causes.
 
“We are looking to raise local awareness as well as financial support for Canada’s first Food Bank Farm, a local farm that is completely run by volunteers and provides excellent community engagement opportunities, while producing fresh produce for those who need it most,” said SKILLS coordinator Elizabeth MacMillan.
 
In 2019 alone, the Food Bank Farm donated 11,700 pounds of produce to local soup kitchens and food banks, while reducing food waste by as much as 20 per cent.
 
MacMillan added that some of the funds raised will also be utilized to support the SKILLS project, as it works with many of our community organizations like the Food Bank Farm, the Soup Kitchen Community Centre, and Algoma Education Gardening.
 
The event will also feature a silent auction with donations from local businesses. So far, the silent auction has been supported by Meaghan Kent Photography, Fit Bodies Fit Minds, and Kidz2Kidz. SKILLS is still accepting donations for the silent auction, so MacMillan invites businesses interested in getting involved to get in touch with her at [email protected] or to reach out to the Soup Kitchen Community Centre.
 
Tickets are only $25 each and can be purchased at Stone’s Office Supply, the Soup Kitchen Community Centre, or by contacting MacMillan via email or the SKILLS Facebook page @algomaskills.

Each ticket purchased includes an entry into a draw for a gift basket, while offers to sponsor a plate will receive an extra entry. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

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