CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Before Yan Zhang’s family moved from China to Canada, she had heard about activities like food drives for those in need but she had never experienced them herself.
Zhang, a Provincial Nominee Program business owner in Charlottetown, was one of the people who donated food in the recent Y’s Men’s food drive in support of the Upper Room Ministry food bank.
“When my family came to Canada, we can always feel this caring culture in the community,” Zhang said as she handed out half a box of bottled water to Rotaract Club volunteers working at the food drive. “Canada is a high welfare country. This welfare not only comes from the government, but also from very kind citizens.”
Zhang also said she believes all the Chinese people who live in this community would love to contribute to the neighbourhoods and help more people.
Helping people was the goal of the food drive near the end of October, where 10 UPEI students from the Rotaract Club were among the volunteers. They covered the West Royalty community, gathering enough donations to fill three cars.
“The Islanders are really warm and welcoming,” said Keyshawn Bonamy, president of the Rotaract Club of UPEI. “This is the first time we ever partnered with the Y’Men Club and we are really glad that we did.”
Tanya Harper, a learning manager of medical support services program at Holland College, said she believes it’s something everyone should participate in,.
“When you drive downtown, we can see the people who are doing without,” said Harper, who drops off donations to the food drive or to the Tim Hortons every opportunity she gets. “And I recognize the needs in our community, and I want to help as much as I can.”
This was the 32nd year the Y’s Men organized the food drive. Non-perishable food items or monetary donation are still welcomed at the Upper Room.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the food drive next year can contact Bill Irwin at 902-569-3187.
Contributed by UPEI student Zhishun Xu
