National Volunteer Week: Roberto & Nico have been volunteering since fall 2024, helping sort bags and keep things running smoothly.
Nico looks forward to his Friday shifts, and it shows.
Glad to have you both on the team.
#NVW2026
National Volunteer Week: Brian & Barb have been showing up since 2021, packing food for deliveries week after week.
Steady, reliable, and a big part of what keeps things moving here. We are thankful for Brian and Barb!
#NVW2026
Thanks to Anne Hathaway Public School for including us in Food Diversity Through Literacy Night! Great to see so many families learning about food, access, and supports in our community. These conversations matter, especially for young people. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!
So grateful for the businesses already stepping up to sponsor our fall events, Ride for Refuge & Empty Bowls!
Your support helps make these events possible and keeps more funds going directly to neighbours facing food insecurity.
More sponsors welcome: resources@shob.org
The results are in, and we’re so grateful!
Spring Food Drive totals:
Food Basics: 3,007 lbs
Zehrs: 2,246 lbs
No Frills: 1,494 lbs
Total: 6,747 lbs!
Thank you for showing up for our community ❤️
Donations slow in spring/summer, but the need doesn’t. Please consider giving when you can. Thank you!
Thanks to the team from Kindred Credit Union and our Tuesday Stratford Terraces group for helping with bowl painting today! 🎨
We’re off to a great start, but there are still lots of bowls left to paint!
Join us Mon–Fri (9–12 or 1–4) or this Friday, April 10 from 5:30–8 PM.
📩 resources@shob.org
🎨 FRIDAY NIGHT BOWL PAINTING 🎨
🗓 April 10
🕠 5:30–8
Paint bowls for Empty Bowls fundraiser, supporting Stratford House of Blessing Food Bank.
No experience needed. Come solo or with friends!
Spots limited. Sign up at resources@shob.org
So grateful to everyone who supported our Spring Food Drive on Saturday!
Huge thanks to Food Basics, No Frills & Zehrs for hosting, our amazing volunteers (including Police, Fire, Paramedics & Stratford Festival team!), and everyone who donated!
Final totals coming next week!
Please note: we will be closed next Friday, April 3 for Good Friday.
Wishing you a restful Easter weekend filled with time for loved ones, reflection, and celebration.
Spring Food Drive: SATURDAY 9am-2pm at Food Basics, No Frills & Zehrs.
Most needed:
- Canned veg
- Soup (small cans)
- Baked beans
- Mac & cheese
- Canned tomatoes
- Side dishes (Hamburger Helper, Stovetop Stuffing, Instant mash, etc.)
- Pasta sauce
Thanks for your generosity!
Great night of bowl painting with BrokerLink & YNCU. Thanks for sharing your time and creativity! The bowls will be part of Empty Bowls on Nov 6, supporting local families facing food insecurity.
🎨 Weekday sessions available (9–12, 1–4)
Individuals & groups welcome.
Book at volunteer@shob.org
🌷 Spring Food Drive – March 28 🌷
We’ll be at Food Basics, No Frills & Zehrs from 9am–2pm collecting food donations.
If you’re doing groceries, plan to stop by and toss a couple extra items in your cart for the food bank.
Spring donations slow down, but the need doesn’t. Thanks for your support!
Many people have assumptions about food banks, but the reality is often very different.
Misconceptions can create stigma and shame for people who need help. Awareness and understanding matter.
@foodbankscanada.bsky.social breaks down 5 common myths:
foodbankscanada.ca/5-myths-and-...
Huge thanks to CR Plastic Products for donating a brand new bench for outside our entrance! Our old one had seen better days. This sturdy new bench will give clients a comfortable place to sit while they wait. We’re grateful for local businesses supporting our community.
HUGE thanks to the team at Stratford FOODLAND and their generous customers. Their holiday campaign raised an incredible $5,762.96 to help keep our food shelves stocked.
This is what community looks like. Thank you, Stratford, for stepping up once again to support our neighbours in need!
Today we said goodbye to the old sign on our building. But don’t worry… we’re not going anywhere. Same friendly Food Bank, just a fresh new look! Thanks to Sign Ontario Ltd. for removing the old sign and installing the new one.
Stratford businesses 📣
Sponsorships now open for Ride for Refuge + Empty Bowls.
Two events. Big community impact.
Last year: $73K+ raised to support local families & programs.
Let’s make this year even bigger.
Contact resources@shob.org for more info.
Heads up! As part of our ongoing efforts to grow and improve how we serve you, we will be closed next Wednesday, February 25 for staff professional development.
Thank you for your understanding.
A big thank you to the local chapter of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario for their incredible Cupid’s Cupboard donation of 257 lbs of food, plus a financial gift.
Support like this truly makes a difference. Thank you, RWTO!
🌾 Today is Canada’s Ag Day and the 10th anniversary of this national day of recognition.
Thank you to the farmers who work every day, locally and across Canada, to keep our communities fed. We’re especially grateful to the local farmers who support our food bank.
#CdnAgDay
Heads up, we will be closed next Monday, February 16th for Family Day. Enjoy your long weekend!
We’re still very low on canned vegetables. 🥫
Corn, creamed corn, green beans, peas, carrots, and mixed veg are especially needed right now. If you’re able, please add a few cans to your next grocery trip and drop them off at Stratford House of Blessing.
Thanks for your support!
We were sorry to learn of the passing of John Gray. John founded A Child’s Smile and spent more than 30 years helping children experience the joy of Christmas through generous toy donations. He made a lasting impact. Our condolences to Daphne, and all of John's friends and family.
Even though the Christmas rush has passed, the need for food support is still high. We’re running low on canned vegetables this month. Corn, creamed corn, green beans, peas, carrots, and mixed veg are especially helpful. Thank you for helping us keep shelves stocked.
2026 is here. While the need for food bank support continues to grow, we’re grateful for the way this community shows up. Our food drives and fundraising events make our work possible. Mark your calendars, more to come, and thank you for supporting local families this year.
We want to say thank you! Because of this community, Stratford House of Blessing supported more neighbours than ever this year. You can still give! One-time gifts meet urgent needs. Monthly giving sustains our work. Donate by Dec 31 for a 2025 tax receipt: shob.org/donate-funds
Huge thanks to everyone who supported our Christmas Toy Program. To the volunteers who guided parents and grandparents through their shopping, and to all who donated toys, gifts, and funds, thank you. Because of this community, we provided Christmas gifts to 1,216 children this year. Amazing!
While our focus is feeding people, we know pets are family too. When we can, we’re glad to offer pet food alongside our regular programs. Huge thanks to Adam and the team at Global Pet Foods for donating 870 lbs of cat and dog food to support local families and their pets.
As 2025 comes to a close, thank you for supporting Stratford House of Blessing! If you’re considering year-end giving, one-time or monthly gifts help keep our shelves stocked for local families. Donate at shob.org/donate-funds or via our secure mailbox at 423 Erie St.
This time of year is incredibly busy at Stratford House of Blessing, and we’re so grateful for our volunteers. From the Christmas Toy Program and food drives to packing orders, stocking shelves, painting bowls, staffing events, and deliveries, you make it all possible. Thank you!
