The annual Brits on the Beach is a two-pronged event, that showcases the town and its waterfront park and is a huge benefit to hundreds of locals who rely on the Ladysmith Food Bank to get by.
This past July’s showing of classic and unique European cars, trucks and motorcycles was another success hosted by the members of the Central Island Old English Car Club.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27 the success of this year’s Brits on the Beach was evident in a $2,250 donation to the Ladysmith Food Bank by Julia McKay representing the car club.
“The Brits on the Beach is a huge program for us," said Eliina Alle co-ordinator for the food bank. "Not only do participants and spectators bring non-perishable foodstuffs, the organizers make a great monetary donation, like this, when the event is over. Members of the food bank help on the event so not only do we have fun, but it’s very beneficial for our clients too.”
McKay stated that the central island car group has been doing the Brits on the Beach for more than 20 years.
“We missed three years due to COVID but every event we have done we’ve been able to donate funds to the Ladysmith Food Bank,” she said. “The majority of the cars are from all over the Island but we have attendees from other provinces, some from Seattle. They come from a variety of places, as they find the event, especially the venue, a lot of fun and a great chance to meet a varied group of enthusiasts.”
The funds allow the food bank to purchase much-needed inventory.
“We have very good rapport with Country Grocer and Save-On-Foods and they offer us the very best deals they can," said Alle. "We’re very lucky to have them behind us.”
Alle said the food bank is seeing more customers all the time.
“Food Banks Canada is forecasting a 25 per cent increase in the number of users this year,” she said.
In July 2023 the Ladysmith Food Bank served 660 clients in total. That consisted of 165 clients weekly, 129 adults and 36 children along with 85 households per week. Advancing a year ahead to July 2024 the figures are up quite a bit.
"This past July our client total was 1,471. That consisted of 303 weekly, 240 adults, 63 children and 152 households per week,” Alle said.
Alle also mentioned items such as tooth brushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner are only received through donations as they prefer to purchase food.
"Extras that are very helpful are ketchup and other condiments, gluten free items, cat food, crackers, peanut butter, jam, etc. as quite often they are forgotten about.
“Our clients are able to collect food once weekly from one of three distribution sessions. Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays, by appointment, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Appointments can be made by going to https://calendly.com/ladysmithfoodbank/thursday.
"People are welcome to come to distribution before they are registered and we can help them when they arrive, there is no approval process, just show up,” Alle said.
