To the Editor,
Re: Every day items often overlooked in food donations, Letters, Nov. 13.
Does Catherine Melnyk realize that neither grocery stores nor the general public have to donate anything, that they are doing this out of the kindness of their hearts?
The people donating get their money from somewhere, most likely they are fortunate enough to have jobs and are able to give. Grocery stores are businesses out to make a profit and are not charitable organizations.
I can only imagine how difficult it is to be in a position where basic items are hard to obtain on a very limited budget. This is not to say they are all the same, but I wonder why we even bother when I see some on assistance able to still get their smokes, of all kinds, and their booze then complain that they don’t have enough for food.
I worked for many years in the public service and was fortunate enough to retire with a pension that I earned.
People in my position still have to live, provide shelter and food for ourselves as well as pay taxes to help those less fortunate, which I have been doing for 30 years since coming to Canada.
The donations made up by the grocery stores are not for a specific person and I’m sure the cost is more than the donations from the public.
Remember, they don’t have to do this nor do we have to donate anything.
I understand that not all a person requires is in the donated bags, but a little appreciation would not go amiss. I’m not saying Melynk is not a responsible person, but a little gratitude for what she does get should be shown.
Times are difficult for a lot of people, even those not on assistance.
Fred Carson
Nanaimo