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An anonymous donor has made a second six-figure donation this year to the Food Banks of Saskatchewan.
The individual, who earlier gave $100,000 to the food banks, has donated a further $200,000. The announcement was made Tuesday.
The funds are to go to the province’s two largest food banks, the Regina Food Bank and the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre.
“We are incredibly touched by this gift,” John Bailey, the CEO of the Regina Food Bank, said in a media release. “The fall is typically a time when our food bank sees a spike in usage and we expect this year will be no different.
“This gift will have a profound impact on our ability to serve.”
According to the release, the Regina Food Bank is serving about 500 people every day due to the impact of COVID-19.
The need is just as great in Saskatoon.
“2020 has been a difficult year for many in our community and we will put these dollars to work to ensure a food secure community,” Laurie O’Connor, the executive director of the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, said in the release.
“The future is uncertain but thanks to donors, the food banks will continue to pivot and adapt to respond to the diverse challenges this pandemic has created.”
The earlier donation was used in June for a campaign in which all donations up to $100,000 were matched by the anonymous individual.
The latest funding was made through the South Saskatchewan Community Foundation, which connects donors with charities in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
“The anonymous donor cares deeply about the Saskatchewan community and knows that you can’t see the future if you’re hungry; they want to help co-create a better future,” said Donna Ziegler, the foundation’s executive director.
There are 32 food banks across the province. According to the release, the cost to provide food to those in need in Saskatchewan is estimated to be $1 million a month.
Contributions to Food Banks of Saskatchewan can be made online (skfoodbanks.ca or www.canadahelps.org).