Helping Hands Soup Kitchen receives $4,000 donation

in photo from left to right: Barb Blake, Aida Tahhan, Jacqueline East [100 Women Who Care], Vandana Jamadagni, Jim Hillis [Helping Hands]

Helping Hands Soup Kitchen received a helping hand via a $4,000 donation from the 100 Women Who Care group.  Jacqueline East gave a touching presentation as she nominated the soup kitchen at the recent gathering of 100 Women Who Care. “Helping Hands means so much to me because of their efforts acknowledging and honouring this important part of our community – our neighbors who are so often forgotten or dismissed.”   

Board Chairman Jim Hillis was thrilled to hear the news that not only was Helping Hands nominated, but the recipient of the 100 Women Who Care donation. “Helping Hands wouldn’t exist without community donations and the hard work of all the volunteers that give time to help those less fortunate. This money is gratefully appreciated and will help us continue to offer a hot meal to those that may otherwise go without food.”

Established in 1990, Helping Hands served only 6 meals the first day they opened. Fast forward to 2016 and now the Centre averages 175 meals per day, Monday through Friday.  Helping Hands relies on donations to cover all operating and staffing costs.  Only two positions are staffed, the main cook and Coordinator, and relies on community volunteers to help prepare and serve the daily meal.  Hutterite Colonies and some grocery stores donate food when they can, but monetary donations help the Centre through the lean winter months when food donations are low and meals served are higher.

Established through the Brandon Area Community Foundation, 100 Women Who Care is a group of women who share a common desire to give back and inspire local philanthropy in their community.

For more Information:

Helping Hands Soup Kitchen                          100 Women Who Care, BACF
Vandana Jamadagni                                       Laura Kempthorne

Coordinator                                                     General Manager
204-727-4635                                                  204-571-0529