HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 25-23Report Number: FIN 25-23
Date: December 11, 2023
From: Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Subject: St. Paul’s On-The-Hill Grant Request
-File: F-4800-001
Recommendation:
1.That Report FIN 25-23 of the Director, Finance & Treasurer be received;
2.That Council approve a grant in the amount of $8,763.52 to St. Paul’s On-The-Hill and
this expense be funded from account 503040.11100; and
3.That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorize d to take the necessary action
to give effect hereto.
Executive Summary: On December 1, 2023, a request from St. Paul’s On-The-Hill was
received by the City requesting financial support in the amount of $8,763.52 to fund rent and
food for the month of December 2023 (Attachment 1).
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval of a grant to St. Paul’s On-The-Hill in the
amount of $8,763.52 for this purpose.
Financial Implications: The 2023 Generals Grant Budget consisted of two funding
sources: casino reserve for “cash donations” and property tax funding was applied to cover
other requests like rent free City facilities. This request will be funded from the casino reserve.
Discussion: St. Paul’s On-The-Hill (SPOTH) is a community food bank that serves Ajax
and Pickering residents. It’s a volunteer based organization that provides a valuable service in
these financial challenging times.
SPOTH has experienced an increase in their demand for services of approximately 41.63
percent when compared to the same period as last year. Food bank use is usually an option of
last resort and the increase in demand indicates current challenging eco nomic times for some
of our Pickering residents and neighbors. Uncertain work, erosion of social support programs
and the challenges associated with providing affordable housing translates into increased use
for this organization.
Report to Council
FIN 25-23 December 11, 2023
Subject: St. Paul’s On-The-Hill Grant Request Page 2
In a recent report, Food’s Bank Canada compared the cost of every day essentials (apples,
flour, cooking oil) in 2021 at a cost of $39.25 versus 2022 at a cost of $50.83. This reflects –
an increase of 29.50 percent and this cost has increased again in 2023. The large majority of
Pickering residents have not seen an increase to their income that have matched recent food
price increases.
As per their funding request, this organization’s financial “Ask” is for basic food items (milk and
eggs) and to cover December’s rent. They have served 9,298 children from January to
November 30, 2023. This is worthwhile request to support the basic needs of residents and is
consistent with the principles of the City’s Community Safety & Well-being Plan.
Attachment:
1. Special Grant Request St. Paul’s On-The-Hill dated December 1, 2023
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
James Halsall Stan Karwowski
Division Head, Finance Director, Finance & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Chief Administrative Officer
Charity # 119 196 111 RR0001
Attachment #1 to Report FIN 25-23
1535 Pickering Parkway
Pickering, ON L1V 7E9
905-839-9537
Info.foodbank@stpaulsonthehill.com
www.stpaulsonthehillfoodbank.ca
Mailing Address: 882 Kingston Rd.
Pickering, ON L1V 1A8
December 1, 2023
Dear Councillor Butt,
I am writing you today to thank you for your past offers to assist the food bank, financially, as well as the
offer on Tuesday of this past week. As we were in a better position back then, it is not the case today.
From January 1 to November 30, 2023, we have served 26,704 individuals, including 9,298 children. In
the same date range for 2022, we served 18,854 individuals. We average at 65 new families registering
with us each month with majority having 6 or more in their household. 49% of our current client base
represents new registrations for 2023 and at the current rate of growth in Food Bank usage, St. Paul's on
the Hill Community Food Bank is projected to serve 29,139 clients in 2023. A 43% increase from 2022
and 67% of that represents residents of the City of Pickering.
With the growth in Food Bank usage, coupled with costs of living increasing, we are in need some
financial support. With the rent increase of the storage units we occupy, it is our biggest operational
cost. The purchasing of milk and eggs is one of the highest food purchasing costs for us.
We are asking for support in the amount of $8,763.52 for the month of December. $4,511.27 of that
amount will be used for our rent cost for December and the other $4,252.25 will be used to purchase
the milk and eggs distributed to our clients for December. The amount for the milk and eggs is based off
November’s expense.
We are so grateful for the support we have already received from you and would be most appreciative
of any financial support you are able to provide us. We recognise that times are tough for many people
and we thank you for allowing us the opportunity to discuss this with you and for helping us continue
providing for those who need it most.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
With all my gratitude,
Lindsey Morrill
Food Bank Director
foodbankdirector@stpaulsonthehill.com