Richmond Food Bank gave new immigrant hope

On Christmas Eve 1994, Carla immigrated to Canada from the Middle East.

At the time, her husband had already been living in Richmond for four years, sending part of his paycheque back home each month to his wife and three children.

When he accumulated enough money from what was left of his paycheque, he sent for his family.

When we moved here, we had nothing, said the petite dark-haired Carla (a pseudonym). I couldnt work right away because I couldnt speak English. I had $35 in my pocket.

Her husbands salary at the time barely covered the monthly bills for a family of five. Carlas children were four, five and six at the time.

For four months, Carla worked diligently to learn English so she could get a job to help pay expenses. But costs mounted and the young family had very little money left over each month for food.

A friend told her about the Richmond Food Bank.

There is no such thing as a food bank or social services in my country, she added.

I didnt want to take anything from the country that welcomed us I wanted to work for my food.

However, the welfare of her young children convinced her to swallow her pride. She clearly remembers returning on the bus laden with grocery bags filled with nutritious food.

Ill never forget, it was a Wednesday and I stood in line and the staff at the food bank were so kind to me, Carla said over coffee.

Even though I was treated with respect and kindness, I felt like I was taking advantage.

Carla went for three Wednesdays in a row.

Then, I got a job washing hair and so I never went back, she said proudly.

I am so thankful that the food bank was there for my family in our time of need.

Three years later, Carla and her husband bought a three-bedroom townhouse.

Today, she is a successful hair stylist with her own salon and 10 employees.

The food bank was there when I needed them with fresh vegetables and fruits, and fresh bread, she said.

Because of the food bank I was able to feed my children very healthy food.

Two of those kids are now studying medicine at university.

All these years later, Carla still remembers fondly how nice the volunteers at the Richmond Food Bank treated a new immigrant.

I was looking at a head of lettuce, and I was too shy to take it, Carla said. A sweet volunteer said to me, Take it honey I never took anything for free before in my life and yet I wasnt made to feel bad about it.

For more information about the RFB, call 604-271-5609 or visit www.richmondfoodbank.org.

Richmond Food Bank facts:

Households include single-person households, small group households (2-4 persons), and larger households (5+ persons) with a mix of genders, ages, etc. Most ethnicities are also represented.

Trend: Increase in number of new immigrants; more seniors.

Last week: 586 households served; all-time high.

Averages number of households served weekly:

2007 307;

2008 329;

2009 437;

2010 477;

2011 498.

2010: Number of households served (one or multiple times in the year): 1,577

Total parcels served to those 1,577 households over the year: 24,323

Percentage under 18 years: 32 per cent;

- Average number in household: 2.37;

- Average household visits per year: 15.4.

Courtesy of the RFB

- Remember, you can drop off your food bank donations at the Richmond News office, 5731, No. 3 Road.