THUNDER BAY – The Regional Food Distribution Association teamed up with Dougall Media’s CKPR and Rock 94 Wednesday to fundraise for the RFDA’s facility expansion.
From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. the radio stations are live on location at the RFDA's Syndicate Avenue South location for a 12-hour broadcast to spread the word about the Building Hope fundraiser.
The RFDA is serving breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day Wednesday for everyone who stops by to make a donation or learn more about the regional organization.
Executive director Volker Kromm told Newswatch they need to raise $1.5 million to help complete the 5,200-square-foot expansion.
He said the total cost of the project is nearly $7 million.
The expansion is in progress, with a food processing room, a meat processing room and new freezers added so far.
“The need for cash is instant. We're trying to get the project finished, so while we are respectful of Tom Jones and the other contractors, you know, everyone wants to get paid,” Kromm said.
Many have already contributed to the ongoing campaign, Kromm said, with some donating up to $50,000.
“We've given donors the option so they can either give a lump sum or we amortize it over a number of years. So, whether it be $2 or $200,000, we're looking at giving the corporations and individuals lots of opportunities to give,” Kromm said.
“Over the last number of years, we found it increasingly critical that we increase capacity and that we have outreach to those people who are needing help,” Kromm said.
He said the expansion not only allows the RFDA to increase space for food, but also for a classroom for education and training, as well as an event area.
Kromm said the classroom can accommodate up to 35 students of all ages. Groups of students will have access to a work station, sink area, and kitchen equipment.
These classes will cover everything from cooking to food distribution and food insecurity.
“Giving food is only part of the solution because we can feed people, but it doesn't mean we've got rid of poverty. We empower them to learn,” Kromm said.
The event area or “meeting place,” as Kromm called it, can host up to 150 people. Once finished, Kromm said the meeting place would be a great space for small weddings, conferences, church groups, and drum circles.
On the outside, the RFDA will landscape the facility with an edible garden. Kromm said the edible landscape will show people “food comes in many shapes and forms.”
He said there is some work left to do before the RFDA’s proposed completion date at the end of August.
“We're doing the interior. The drywalling and mudding and that is almost done. Then there's the flooring and the lighting and all the other finishing touches on the inside that have to be done. On the outside, we’re getting ready to do the siding and the stucco work, so the exterior is really important to us because it'll look good. In the month of July, we'll probably be doing a lot of paving and curb work, so we'll have to keep our parking elsewhere,” Kromm said.
The RFDA collects and distributes food donations to people in need in Thunder Bay and across all of Northwestern Ontario, particularly remote and underserved communities.
Kromm said that for those who can not make it to Wednesday's event in the city can always donate on the RFDA website, where there is a section just dedicated to the capital campaign.
