Ashort while back, Susan Clarke went to replenish the Bowen Island Food Bank and found a hand-written note. It was from someone who had lived on the island for 20 years, brought up her children here and had recently fallen on hard times. The woman had used the Food Bank for the first time and wanted to leave a thank-you. Clarke was surprised she doesn't usually get feedback. To preserve the anonymity of those who use the food bank, she sometimes drives up the road and waits before going in when she sees a car parked outside.
The thank-you was something Clarke wanted to pass on to Barbara Murphy, the Bowen Barber, for her donation of $1,500 to the Food Bank. "This was a huge donation," Clarke said. "It went straight into the Food Bank's pool. We spend approximately $1000 to $1200 a month on buying food. We also give out food vouchers for the General Store for people in extreme circumstances." Clarke said that the Food Bank still experiences high use and she restocks the shelves every day.
Clarke is aware that there are people in our midst who "need help to get back on their feet" and she appreciates what Murphy has done. The Bowen Barber held a fundraiser last December. Initially she had offered to donate mohawk hair cuts but she extended the concept and donated one haircut a day as well as her tips. Murphy also placed a jar marked 'Food Bank' in the barber shop and encouraged customers to make a contribution. When she dropped off the jar, Murphy hadn't counted the money and was later surprised to learn the sum. The Bowen Barber has made a huge difference and Clarke expressed appreciation for her effort.
