Winnipeg women's centre short on food donations due to high demand
With an increase in demand due to the pandemic, the North Point Douglas Women's Centre is in need of donations for emergency hampers.
Tara Zajac, the centre's executive director, said it started handing out emergency food hampers on Tuesdays when COVID-19 first came to Winnipeg about 15 months ago.
"We are located in Point Douglas, but we invite anyone to come. It's mostly families that come down, but there are some single people too," said Zajac.
According to Zajac, the centre has given around 8,000 food hampers so far.
"We feel it's really been magnified, especially when it comes to food security," she said. "We just never seem to have enough donations. There's a huge food need in our community."
With a growing need and fewer places to go on a regular basis for help, the centre is running low on food and basic supplies.
"A lot of the big items we do ask for are pasta, rice, canned veggies, canned protein, also canned meat as well."
Zajac noted monetary donations are also welcome as it allows the centre to choose what to pick up.
Along with food hampers, the centre hands out hygiene care packages.
The centre is also in need of care products such as soap and toothbrushes, as well as feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, formula and wipes.
"Obviously, things look quite a bit different over the last 15 months, but we've been trying out best."
During the recent heatwave, the centre handed out hats, sunscreen and water.
"I think it's important for Winnipeggers and Manitobans to take care of each other and support organizations like ours," said Zajac. "I can say they've been very supportive so far."
More info on how to donate to the North Point Douglas Women's Centre can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trump fined US$1,000 for gag order violation in hush money case as judge warns of possible jail time
The judge presiding over Donald Trump's hush money trial has fined him US$1,000 for violating his gag order and sternly warned the former president that additional violation could result in jail time.
The story of how a B.C. man found his birth mother
After his adopted parents died, Dave Rogers set out to learn more about his birth mother. DNA results and a little help from friendly strangers would put him on a path to a small town in England.
When grief and AI collide: These people are communicating with the dead
AI tools can offer recommendations, answer questions and 'talk' with users. But some users are using them to recreate the likeness of the dead.
Spike in 'violent rhetoric' since Oct. 7 attack from 'extremist actors,' CSIS warns
The Israel-Hamas war has led to a spike in 'violent rhetoric' from 'extremist actors' that could prompt some in Canada to turn to violence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warns.
Italy's white-collar mafia is making a business killing
Italy's mafia rarely dirties its hands with blood these days. Extortion rackets have gone out of fashion and murders are largely frowned upon by the godfathers.
WestJet, mechanics union agree to tentative deal to avoid strike
A potential strike between WestJet and its mechanics union appears to have been avoided.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine and Moscow warned that tensions with the West are deepening.
Summer forecast: What to expect as El Nino weakens
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.