The Brantford Food Bank held its annual Drive Out Hunger charity golf tournament at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Just under 100 players arrived at the course ready and eager to participate in the 18-hole scramble style golf tournament for the kick off just after noon.
The annual event has been running since 2007 and has become one of the organization’s biggest fundraisers to support its vital programs and services.
“This tournament helps us raise money as people continue to access the Food Bank, especially going into the summer, donations often drop off compared to other months in the year, but hunger doesn’t take a vacation,” said Vanner. “The money raised at this tournament really helps us ensure that we have enough to be able to get us through the summer, purchase the supplies we need, and keep the programs up and running, especially for the kids. A lot of the local schools have nutrition programs, but when summer hits, the kids don’t have access to them, so this is a way for us to make sure that those children have enough as well.”
Vanner said that over the last year, the number of people accessing the Food Bank has nearly doubled.
“From a statistical standpoint, we are seeing numbers right now that are equaling the 2008/2009 recession. Our numbers over the last year have almost doubled in terms of the number of people that are using the food bank on a monthly basis,” she said. “Right now, we have an average of 1,200 households every month using the food bank, and that represents about 3,500 people every month. Thirty-three per cent of those people that we’re supporting are children.”
She said that with the high cost of living, it’s important to help those who are vulnerable in the community.
“With experiencing the high cost of living, everyone is feeling the pinch around food prices, and the food bank becomes even more important to make sure that those most vulnerable in our community are able to access food that they need for themselves and their families,” said Vanner. “When people are struggling financially, a lot of times groceries are actually one of the first things they try to cut back on and from a nutrition standpoint, we want to be sure that people have enough and that’s really our goal.”
As golfers made their way through the course, many headed into the clubhouse to grab refreshments and lunch, while others took breaks to mingle or to take a look at the different silent auction and contest prizes before heading out to finish their game.
Vanner said she was thankful for everyone’s participation in the day. From the sponsors to the players, the volunteers and more, she said she couldn’t do it without them.
“We really appreciate all of our sponsors who stepped up and helped us make sure that today was successful,” she said. “And of course, we really appreciate all the golfers that are out today enjoying the weather and having a good time for a good cause. We wouldn’t be able to do this without everyone’s help.”
After the afternoon golf tournament, just under 110 people attended the event dinner where they announced the day’s prize winners.
