Monthly Message: Shelburne Food Bank gala aimed at offsetting rising costs and demand

November 6, 2025 · 0 Comments

The Annual Hunger Count has just been released. To the surprise of no one who volunteers at the Shelburne Food Bank, it is again reporting record numbers and an increase in usage numbers for the eighth consecutive year.

Over 2 million people in Canada visit a food bank each month. Behind every food bank visit is a story. A parent skipping meals so their kids can eat. A senior choosing between medication and groceries. A worker juggling multiple jobs and still coming up short at the end of each month.

This is Canada’s new normal.

Many people think the government funds food banks. This is not so. As an all-volunteer non-profit, the food bank receives all its money from donations, aside from potential grants for one-time infrastructure items and a yearly municipal grant. As the cost of food and the number of users both increase, the food bank has had to look at other potential ways to raise funds.

Teaming up with the Rotary Club of Shelburne last year, the Nutcracker Gala was planned to help with the fundraising efforts of the new food rescue van.

Held at the Shelburne Golf & Country Club, it was an exciting and remarkable night, filled with delicious food, wonderful entertainment, and a very lively silent and live auction. It was such a hit with those who attended that when the idea of holding it again in 2025 was ‘floated out’, 80 per cent of the seats were spoken for by mid-July, and it was another sold-out event before it was advertised.

Many local businesses and individuals have donated unique experiences, event tickets, dining opportunities, artwork, and personal and festive items for both the live and silent auction. We truly appreciate their generosity.

Thank you to our Specialty Cocktail Sponsor – Shelburne Primary Eye Care, Table Wine Sponsor – Len Guchardi, and Entertainment Sponsor – Next Generation Showcase. Their support allows us to maximize our fundraising efforts, and we greatly and gratefully appreciate it.

We are looking forward to another great Nutcracker Gala on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Shelburne Golf & Country Club to kick off the holiday in support of a great cause.