The Shelbourne Community Kitchen is thrilled to announce the launch of its Bring Home the Kitchen Capital Campaign to raise funds for the construction of a commercial kitchen and accessibility improvements. When the Kitchen moved to its current location, it simply could not afford to do all the improvements at once and the project was split into two phases.
Shelbourne Community Kitchen is delighted to announce that it has already raised an impressive 64% of the total campaign goal through the generosity and unwavering support of community members, local businesses, and philanthropic organizations. This remarkable accomplishment showcases the collective commitment to address food insecurity and transform lives.
With the campaign's launch, the Shelbourne Community Kitchen invites the community at large to contribute and become champions of this transformative initiative. This renovation project will unlock the full potential of the Kitchen to help more individuals, increase its accessibility to the most vulnerable, and create a lasting impact on the lives of those who rely on its services. To help ensure we meet our goal, a long-time generous anonymous donor has pledged to match the first $50,000 of donations!
These improvements will enable The Kitchen to cater to the rising demand for its services, and provide a wider variety of healthy food and nutritious meals. The current layout and designation with Island Health significantly limits the Kitchen's programs and services. The Kitchen needs a place for participants to cook together in-person, to share community meals, to host canning and preservation workshops and so much more. "Some people cannot believe that we have been functioning without a commercial kitchen for so long. We can no longer go without an actual kitchen in our community kitchen,” explains Kim Cummins, Program Director. “With demand for services steadily increasing, the renovation will allow us to expand services and secure our future financial stability", continues Cummins.
"We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support we have received thus far," said Clarice Dillman, Board Chair at Shelbourne Community Kitchen. "Together, we have already achieved a significant milestone, and with the community's continued support, we are confident that we can achieve our goal and make an even greater difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity." To date, The Kitchen has raised $247,000 of the total $387,000 required for all the capital improvements.
The Kitchen invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate in the Capital Campaign by making a tax-deductible donation or organizing fundraising events. Every contribution will help the Shelbourne Community Kitchen create a more resilient and nourished community.
To learn more about the Capital Campaign, make a donation, or explore volunteering opportunities, please visit the Shelbourne Community Kitchen website.
Information about the Benefit Concerts for The Kitchen is included HERE.