Many Hands opens its doors in Morden

Many Hands began its charitable work in Morden in 2012 with the concept of the Community Livingroom, giving regular opportunities for people to connect through cooking and sharing meals. This week, the community came together to celebrate the organization's grand opening in a more permanent location at 500 Stephen St.

Many Hands Program Coordinator, Tracey Krause, shared her thoughts on having a permanent and accessible location for the food bank.

"We are really excited to be serving the families of Morden. We hope to offer help, compassion, friendship, just to bring a little bit more joy to people's lives. And they bring that to our lives too, and all of the volunteers. We're all really excited to be serving Morgan through 500 Stephen St and through the food bank."

She remarked since Many Hands took over the food bank from The Hub Community Centre in August, the need for food has increased.

"Given that we have been seeing our numbers grow over the last six months, since Many Hands took over the food bank, we started out with giving out 38 hampers a week. So, basically serving 38 families. Now we're up to over 60. Last week we served 61 families. We're not sure what is driving that, but probably the increase in prices for groceries, for rent, and then that combined with job instability that people have been seeing, and sickness."

Many Hands Board Chair, Daniel Klauke, said the board is pleased with the new location and the new space, opening up many possibilities.

"We want to get the Community Livingroom up and operating again like the Community Drop In, so people can come in if they're looking for a place to connect or if they're looking for resources. We just want to be here to build relationships with people, to listen to what they need rather than us coming in with our own ideas and saying 'Oh, we're going to give you this.' It's more of a 'What do you need from us and how can we help you get the resources that you need?"

Klauke noted he is hearing great support from the community and hopes to develop a program similar to Central Station in Winkler.

"I think the feedback is that it's a much needed resource in the community. There are members of our community, they may not be as evident as big cities like Winnipeg or Toronto, where poverty is right in your face on the streets, again, in smaller towns is not quite as evident, but it's still there and is still an important resource. I think people are recognizing the need for this in the community. We've appreciated all the support and we're trying to make sure that we're doing a great job at Many Hands."

The food bank is open Tuesdays 12:30 pm-4pm and the Drop-in Centre is open Tuesdays 12:30pm-4pm and 5pm-9pm on Thursdays. There are games to play and coffee served during drop-in times. There is a computer lending program, as well as people there to connect families and individuals with the resources and community organizations they need. The monthly Community Meal will resume soon, as well.

For more information go to the Many Hands website.