Members of The Faris Team tackled a 'monster mountain of food' at the Barrie Food Bank in the real estate company's annual Easter sort.
About 40 members of the firm traded business attire for jeans and t-shirts as they helped process some of the 64,000 pounds of food donated so far during this year's Easter Food Drive.
"Together as a team we can give back to the community and that's one of our core values. It's awesome to be here today," said Mark Faris, Chief Executive Officer and Broker, Royal LePage First Contact Realty The Faris Team, Brokerage.
"Food is such a bare essential that many of us take for granted. Families can come in and if they're going through a rough period in their lives they can get something that is so essential. A lot of us don't think twice about such a basic item."
This was the fourth year The Faris Team has pitched in to help sort food at the Anne St. S. warehouse and is a financial contributor year-round.
The food bank's goal this Easter was 75,000 pounds of food before the end of April and donations are still welcome.
Executive Director Peter Sundborg says this year's campaign had a slow start but took off with 13,000 pounds of food coming through the door on Tuesday alone.
"Very appreciative of the community for the generous support and just pouring out their hearts and donating so much food to us. We're so grateful for what the community does for us," said Sundborg.
"We're always looking for everything so my suggestion to people is if you're going through the grocery store and you're buying for your family, whatever you're putting in that grocery cart is what we need as well."
Sundbord says the food bank is getting more interest from other companies and church groups to join businesses like the The Faris Team in hands-on help.
The Barrie Food Bank helped to serve over 32,000 families and individuals in the community last year.
Close to 2,800 people each month use the service to put food on the table for their family.
Joanna Faris, Chief Marketing Officer for The Faris Team, says it's important for her and husband Mark to be involved in a valuable organization like the food bank.
And it's an eye-opener.
"To actually get your hands dirty and take time out of your regular routine really puts things into perspective. There are others who are in real need and if we can come together and better the community that's awesome," she said.
"We take simple things for granted."
The Barrie Food Bank is always seeking volunteers, donations, and financial support.
The most sought-after items include: powdered skim milk, baby formula, large size diapers, canned vegetables, sugar, toiletries, drinking boxes, lunch snacks, canned fruit, peanut butter, pancake mix, and oatmeal.
With the aid of a large walk-in refrigerator and freezer, The Barrie Food Bank can also accept perishable items such as frozen chicken, turkeys, ground beef, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Perishable items must be dropped off at the food bank in person.
The Barrie Food Bank is located at 42 Anne St. S.
For more information go to Barrie Food Bank|A Community Where No One is Hungry
