“A donation of that size has an incredible impact on our organization,” said WIN House executive director Leslie Allen.
While the organizations have both been notified of the incoming donation, the money hasn’t hit their accounts just yet. However, the donation will come from Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) foundation, described on its website as a “philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services.” AWMH said it has distributed donations to local groups at various stops along the band’s tour since its founding in 2017.
The money couldn’t come at a better time for the food bank, according to Thomson.
On average, the food bank provides food for an estimated 40,000 people each month with its food hamper program and more than 400,000 snacks and meals per month through partner soup kitchens, schools, and other community groups.
“We’re seeing some incredible numbers,” said Thomson.
“For our hamper programs, July was another all-time high: 44,200 people.”
The record is based on statistics the food bank has kept track of since its founding in 1981, making the demand for services an all-time organizational high.
“Every bit helps, and when you get a phone call out of the blue with a lump sum like that, it certainly gets your attention,” said Thomson.
For its part, Allen said WIN House will use the funds to support its many services. It started in 1968 when a group of women came together to help the growing population of women experiencing homelessness. WIN House has grown from a point of contact to aid with referrals to offering support, safety, relief, and resources to women, non-binary individuals, and children fleeing abuse.
According to its yearly report, WIN House answered more than 2,500 crisis calls last year and had nearly 400 residents in its shelter. WIN House had to turn away 1,982 callers due to a lack of capacity, which is why the donation from AWMH was so well-received.
“Thirty-five per cent of our budget is covered by donations, so having the community support is very important for us to be able to deliver the services that we are,” said Allen.
Representatives from both organizations thanked the band for the donation profusely and looked forward to putting the dollars to good use.
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