Chiropractors feed Manitoba families during lean time of year at Food Bank --

Huge heart of thanks from Winnipeg Harvest

WINNIPEG, February 23, 2007 – Winnipeg Harvest received disheartening news today. A recent review of data concerning incoming calls for food assistance during the month of January has revealed an 8.9% increase over the same period in 2006. A total of 9853 calls were made to the Food Bank last month by Manitobans seeking food assistance. Fortunately for the Food Bank, many food collection efforts have taken place over the past few weeks to help with emergency food assistance programs in Manitoba.

During the week of February 12 – 17, local chiropractors competed against each other by collecting food and cash for the Food Bank. Over 35 chiropractic clinics participated in a new initiative organized by the Manitoba Chiropractors’ Association called the “Have a Heart for Harvest” challenge. Chiropractic offices held contests or local special events and encouraged their patients to bring in food or a cash donation for Winnipeg Harvest. “As an organization of healthcare professionals, we understand and value the necessity of proper nutrition and food for peoples’ well-being. We are proud to support Winnipeg Harvest and open our hearts to help fight against hunger in our own local community.“ states Dr. Ernie Miron, President of the Manitoba Chiropractors’ Association.

During this time of year, the demand on the Food Bank does not decrease. “Our promise is to continue to provide food to families”, states David Northcott, Executive Coordinator, “the need doesn’t stop so we don’t stop, month after month, meal after meal. There is always pressure to ensure that Winnipeg Harvest can support Manitoba families in need. Organizations like the Manitoba Chiropractors’ Association who step in and join us in fighting hunger and poverty are leaders and we couldn’t help others without their generous support.”  

Today, Winnipeg Harvest announced that the first winner of the “Have a Heart for Harvest” challenge is Dr. Glenn Bailey of Waverley Chiropractic Centre. The total donations received from the winning clinic tipped the Harvest scales at 70,088 pounds. Thanks to the efforts of Manitoba chiropractors, their staff, patients and business associates over 105,788 lbs. of food was collected during the one-week drive.        

Winnipeg Harvest is a non-profit, community-based organization, which is committed to providing food to people who struggle to feed themselves and their families. Winnipeg Harvest is also committed to maximizing public awareness of hunger while working towards long-term solutions to eliminate hunger and poverty. For more information please visit www.winnipegharvest.org.

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For further information, please contact:

Jacquie Johnson, Communications Coordinator

Winnipeg Harvest

(204) 982-3584