More than 60 teachers and their families used the specially arranged food bank in Richmond on Sunday.
Set up by a group called Richmond Families Supporting Richmond Families, the food drive saw donations of groceries, cash and gift cards arrive at Richmond Family Place.
Prior to the drive-thru food drop on the weekend, parents involved in the group had been accepting donations all week.
And when it was all collected, teachers — many struggling financially due to the ongoing teachers’ strike — stopped by Richmond Family Place on Sunday to gratefully accept the community’s generosity.
“Many (of the teachers) were emotional and a lot had an average of three kids and… some were also expecting,” said Maria Robinson, one of the parents behind the support group, in an email to the News.
“All that came in said that it was difficult for them to come in but were relieved once they came in and seeing what our own community has provided to them.”
Also helping on Sunday, said Robinson, were six school trustee candidates for the election this fall.
One of them, a teacher himself, volunteered for a couple of hours and was offered a food bag.
“He gracefully declined,” added Robinson.
“He said there are far more other teachers with families that needs it more than him.”
All leftover food and gift cards were due to be delivered Monday to the Richmond Teachers’ Association for those who couldn't make it but still need help.
The News reported last week how Robinson — a mom of two elementary school-aged children at Woodward — and other parents had been looking after teachers on the picket line with daily coffee, muffins and pizza.
