Echoing the intention and structure of the Vancouver-centric Feed the Frontline campaign that finds meals from area restaurants donated to workers at hospitals in the city, a Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland fundraiser is underway that is catering to healthcare workers and partner restaurants farther afield in Metro Vancouver.
Launched in early April, Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland is endeavouring to provide healthy meals by donation to staff at hospitals in communities like Burnaby, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, and Langley.
"Our goal with Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland is to support the heroes in scrubs on the frontlines who are working tirelessly and selflessly to keep us all safe, while supporting local restaurants who are really hurting during this COVID-19 pandemic," say organizers.
Additionally, the campaign helps partner restaurants by giving them business, which can enable them to keep staff on the payroll.
To date, Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland has raised over $4,000 of their $10,000 goal.
Funds donated go towards the purchase of prepared and packaged meals delivered in accordance with facility guidelines.
"We know that as much as this is a difficult time for everyone right now, our frontline workers make huge sacrifices to leave their families, work tirelessly around the clock to fight COVID-19 to keep our loved ones safe while putting themselves at risk," add organizers. "Many are terrified and anxious to go to work, only to come home exhausted with no chance to cook and buy groceries. We want to give back to them with daily meals that they can look forward to from our favourite local restaurants that are struggling to survive."
Currently Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland is hoping to work with the following facilities for meal delivery:
- Burnaby General Hospital
- Delta Hospital
- Surrey Memorial Hospital
- Eagle Ridge Hospital
- Langley Memorial Hospital
- Peace Arch Hospital
- Royal Columbian Hospital
They have also worked with other healthcare facilities, like the George Derby Long Term Care Centre in Burnaby.
Every donation of $25 purchases two quality, individually-packed meals for a frontline staff. That amount factors in food cost, wages, taxes, and delivery.
So far, Feed the Frontline Lower Mainland has partnered with businesses such as Steve's Poke Bar, Dundas Eat + Drink, and Little Minh's Kitchen. They are currently looking to add restaurant partners.
Follow FeedTheFrontlineLowerMainland on Instagram for updates. You can donate through GoFundMe.
