Norm Beal had to be careful, stretching out as far as possible to keep some distance between himself and GBF Community Services executive director Stacy Elia, but he was handing over something rather important.

On behalf of the Peninsula Ridge Foundation board, Beal gave Elia a cheque for $5,000. The donation comes at a crucial time for GBF, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused demand for the food bank to go up while also forcing them to close the retail store that’s a key source of their income.

Beal said the board was happy to give “to a very worthy cause in a serious time of need.”

Elia said GBF, like most social service agencies, is seeing an increase in need as the shutdown drags on.

“There’s a lot of worry out there (about) what the future may look like,” she said.

That’s amplified by the fact that many people who have always provided for themselves and their families are being forced to reach out for help. Elia said it’s never easy to ask for help, but even more so for people who’ve never had to before.

Luckily, they’re still receiving donations from groups, individuals and businesses like Peninsula Ridge. GBF recently received a donation of 100 litres of milk, and Elia said farmers have been donating fresh produce.

“Local farmers have stepped up,” she said.

While she understands that many families are being forced to tighten up the purse strings, she encouraged anyone who can to donate. Cash donations especially help GBF purchase what’s needed. For instance, snacks for kids stuck at home have been in need recently.

Beal said the board – himself, Alan Goddard, Andrew Smith, Dean Allison, Greg Owen, Kurt Whitnell, Paul Stringer and Ross McCallum – will be meeting to discuss other ways to help the community recover from COVID-19. The foundation has raised close to $700,000, hosting the former Jazz on the Ridge festival as well as other events and fundraisers.