Thanks for giving this holiday (Food Bank Canada)

Hi Tracy,   As I began to write this Thanksgiving note to you, a vivid memory came to me... I watch my little girl sleeping soundly, knowing she’s dreaming of adventures from her well-loved storybook. She is peaceful because her tummy is full of good food from dinner just an hour ago. I close the door to her room and stay up late updating my resume as I prepare for an upcoming interview to improve my current job. I can focus now—because I know there will be food on the table when my daughter wakes in the morning hungry for breakfast. I sit for a moment in silence, grateful for the generosity of caring people like you. Things have changed for me, and my family, since that time twenty years ago. There were days that I went hungry just so my daughter would have enough to eat. If you had told me then, that I would one day be blessed to have ample food and even favourite recipes to share—I would have found it impossible to believe. I’m so grateful that things are different for me—and for so many Canadians who are helped by food banks across Canada. As I write this to you I’m also thinking of the food I’ll be making for Thanksgiving dinner—just a week away now. I can practically smell the cabbage rolls, perogies, meatballs, turkey, stuffing, salads and garlic sausage—all made from cherished recipes. I can make them in my sleep now. But I won’t. I’ll make them with a full heart and with help from my kids and grandkids. We will spill stuff, share stories and laughter. What I’m most delighted about is that I can share my tips and tricks, perfected over decades, with people I love—passing down and sharing traditions. And with 40 people coming from all sides of our family, I know I’ll also leave with new beloved recipes to try. However, as I think of all that I have to be thankful for, it’s also on my mind that right at this moment—as I write this, as you read this—there are mothers who are going without enough food, just so their children can eat. And, I know exactly how they feel. That’s why I’m reaching out to invite you to make a gift this Thanksgiving. Will you help ensure plates - and bellies - are full in homes across Canada? Last year, people just like you supported our fall appeal and together we raised $38,000! I hope you’ll celebrate this Thanksgiving with the knowledge that you’re impacting individuals across Canada. Your support helps alleviate hunger today and helps Food Banks Canada prevent it tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrows… as a volunteer Board Member at Food Banks Canada I can assure you we’re looking ahead to the future. In fact, we’ve set ambitious goals to double and triple our food and funds raised. Why? Because that’s the need. The problem of hunger in Canada is growing in leaps and bounds, and we need solutions in leaps and bounds. Together, I know we can achieve it. If you’d like to join me and make a special Thanksgiving gift today to help change someone’s life, you can do so with just two clicks of the mouse, starting right here. Thank you, so very much, for your ongoing and important support. I wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving. Yours for a Canada where no one goes hungry, Debbie O'Bray   Volunteer, Food Banks Canada Board of Directors and Supporter P.S. We are proud to be accountable to you, our loyal donors. You can learn more about how your generous gifts are used by reading our Impact Report. I hope you’ll be inspired by what you read and more importantly feel good! P.P.S. I'd love to share one of my cherished recipes with you. You can get the ingredients and special tips right here. All you need is some friends or family to share it with!