The man spearheading the effort to build St. Joseph's Food Bank has been honoured by his professional association.
Accountant Ron Leger has received the Harold Clarke Award for Service from the the Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia (CGABC).
“I enjoy helping out the community and I like how donations to the food bank goes straight to feeding those who need help,” Leger said.
The CGABC helped Leger out when he was conducting an Abbotsford Heat ticket sale fundraiser earlier this year by promoting the sale on its website.
It was through this activity that the association learned more about Leger's volunteer efforts to help the food bank, resulting in his receiving the award at a convention held Sept. 21.
It was very special to be honoured by the body that allows me to give back and help the community, he said of being chosen.
Through this project, Leger said he's "learned how generous the community has been," from service groups to individuals. One man who wished to remain anonymous, for example, personally donated $25,000 to the project.
Each month, the food bank distributes about $50,000 worth of food, and last year, provided food to more than 6,000 people. Leger has worked with the food bank for 17 of the 21 years it has existed, and was appointed by the Archbishop of Vancouver as his agent responsible for construction at the food bank.
The project budget, including land, is $650,000. To date, only $80,000 is left to go, said Leger.
The building is located on Seventh Avenue, adjacent to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
A food bank operated out of the basement of the church for about 15 years, but demand grew to the point where the food bank needed a free-standing building. The structure will be a two-storey building, designed to look like a small church, with 1,860 square feet on each floor.
More fundraisers:
• Nov. 16 and April 5: Texas Hold 'Em poker night at Silverdale Community Centre, 8760 McLean Ave. First prize is $1,000, second, $500, third, $250, fourth to eighth, $50.
• Feb. 15: Valentine's Dance at Silverdale Hall. Doors open at 8 p.m. Loose Ends will be playing.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call Ron at 604-826-5517.