Today, Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) and Quest Food Exchange collected a record 1,288 food hampers in time for the holiday season. The hampers, which include meal essentials and festive favourites, were collected and counted at an event held at YVR. For every hamper filled, YVR will donate a turkey and Quest will provide fresh seasonal vegetables. The hampers will be provided to families in need in the Lower Mainland.
“The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together, but that isn’t the case for everyone in our community. Thanks to organizations like Quest, families are able to enjoy a complete meal and celebrate the holiday season together,” said Kim Halowski, Manager, Community Relations. “YVR is proud to once again be the official transportation sponsor, helping to collect and ensure these hampers get where they are needed most. This year, we had a goal to collect more than 1,000 hampers and thanks to the generosity of our community, we exceeded expectations.”
As part of the program, YVR also facilitated the distribution of more than 1,500 hampers among the airport community. Since the Hamper Drive started in 2011, 4,569 meals have been donated to local families. Quest works to reduce hunger in local communities by providing dignified access to affordable and sustainable food options in not-for-profit grocery markets to those who face food security challenges in British Columbia.
“Since 2011, YVR’s unwavering commitment to reducing hunger with dignity has motivated and inspired the team at Quest and continues to do so today,” said Elizabeth Lewis-Crudgington, Executive Director, Quest Food Exchange. “Quest is honoured to partner with an organization that exudes strong leadership, profound compassion and provides tremendous support to food insecure families throughout the Lower Mainland. Thank you, YVR!”
As a community-focused organization, YVR supports programs that empower communities in Metro Vancouver and beyond. In 2017, YVR donated more than $1 million to over 50 organizations that created innovative programs in their communities. Partnerships such as this are part of YVR’s commitment to bring social benefits to the communities the airport serves.