Neighbour Helping Neighbour
The Campbell River and District Food Bank Society was established in 1985 during the economic downturn when many of our neighbours were struggling with food security.
With the gift of a grant from the Vancouver United Way, a group of caring community members began to distribute groceries in the spirit of Neighbour Helping Neighbour.
That spirit continues today and the citizens of Campbell River have graciously responded with gifts of food, money, and community grants to help us continue our work.
The Food Bank is a charitable non-profit society with an elected Board of Directors, manned by a group of nearly 50 volunteers and a handful of dedicated staff. We do not receive any government funding, and rely entirely on the generous donations of our community.
At the Campbell River Food Bank our dream is to set a table so long that all of our neighbours will know the fortune of food security. Our mission continues because of your generous support. Please consider donating today so we can welcome another neighbour tomorrow.
Charitable tax Registration no. 889573598RR0001
Joanne (Jo) Watson
Executive Director, CR Food Bank
Joanne Watson has a 30 year food service connection with our community, including 23 years as a Culinary Arts Supervisor with North Island College, and 20 years teaching Food Safe. In her current roles as Kitchen Manager of the Hem'?aelas Community Kitchen and Director of the Campbell River Food Bank, Joanne works tirelessly to foster food security in our region. For the second year in a row, Joanne was honoured with the City of Campbell River's Stewardship Award for creating a Gleaning Station at the Food Bank. In partnership with the Greenways Land Trust, gleaning rescues thousands of kilos of fruit each year from the landfill and diverts it back into the community where it’s needed most. In 2023 Joanne was honoured with the distinguished Dr Phil Minnaar Memorial Award for outstanding achievement in community service.
Sandra Rushton
Manager CR Food Bank
I moved to Campbell River in 2006 when I transferred with CIBC as Branch Manager. After a fulfilling career in banking, I retired in 2015. However, my journey didn’t stop there—I spent two years working part-time with a local investment firm to ease into retirement, only to realize that I was ready for a career change rather than full retirement.
My passion for community involvement led me to work part-time with Hospice, where I also volunteered and cycled with the Soul Cyclers to raise funds. Since 2019, I have proudly served on the Board of Directors for River City Inclusion, advocating for inclusive and supportive community initiatives. I’ve been a dedicated member of Rotary since 2001, deeply committed to the meaningful work Rotarians accomplish.
I started with the Food Bank in November 2022 and am now the Manager, continuing my commitment to service and community support. Campbell River is also where I met my husband, Mike. Together, we have a wonderful blended family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We also shared a love for hockey, co-owning the CR Storm hockey team for several years, and we continue to support the team as passionate volunteers.
