Michael grew up in small town, Newfoundland where neighbour helping neighbour was the way things worked, outstanding training for his position as Chief Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank.
Running the food bank means fundraising, collecting, and distributing food to 114-member agencies and 38,400 people monthly. With hydro, gas, rental, and food costs rising and salaries not, more people need to count on the agency to feed their families even more so as month’s end comes. University graduates burdened with large student loans also come for help.
Working for the Salvation Army for seven years which has been providing social services to
Canadians for 130 years helped Michael prepare for running the food bank. He learned operations management, leadership, and compassion, all essential to this important job in the city.
He has stories to tell us and new plans for programs and partnerships to build up the strength, independence, and dignity for our neighbours in need.