Non-perishable food items can now be donated at both the Englehart and Kirkland Lake sites of Blanche River Health (BRH) year-round, announced Joan Brazeau, Interim President and CEO.    

“Kirkland Lake, Englehart and surrounding areas are not immune to the growing food insecurity issues that are being felt across Canada,” said Brazeau.  “That’s why we’re now collecting food donations year-round, building on the holiday food drives we have held in the past.” 

Food donation bins have been placed in the main lobbies of BRH at both the Kirkland Lake and Englehart sites.  Members of the public, visitors, patients and employees can drop off non-perishable food items, which will be picked up by the local food banks. 

Recent research conducted by food rescue organization Second Harvest examined the anticipated need for food donations in Canada in 2023.  It found that non-profit food programs that hand out food to vulnerable Canadians forecast the number of people they serve to grow by 60 per cent this year. 

“In the past couple years, we’ve had an increase in the number of community members who rely on the food bank, and I hope the new drop-off locations at Blanche River Health will help us fill our shelves,” said  Jacob Moore, Director of Community and Family Services, The Salvation Army Kirkland Lake Food Bank. “Kirkland Lake residents are very generous when it comes to donating to the food bank, and I encourage people to continue giving what they can throughout the year, not just over the holidays, because our neighbours need it more than ever.”   

“Having a new drop-off location for non-perishable food donations is much appreciated,” said Vic Roach, Coordinator, Englehart and Area Food Bank. “Food banks have been struggling to meet an increased need in their communities, and I hope having a drop-off location year-round at the hospital will help make sure none of our neighbours go hungry.” 

Blanche River Health is a 74-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (26 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas.