The Community Cupboard won’t have to close its doors after all.
The volunteer group that helps feed and clothe families out of a portable at Chilliwack middle school announced earlier this month that they were losing that space. The portable is needed to help accommodate smaller classes and increasing student populations.
But when someone at the University of Fraser Valley heard that this worthwhile endeavor had to end its four-year-run, they had a better idea. UFV has offered temporary space for the volunteers to use in September, meaning they won’t have to close up after all.
“Great news!” they announced on their Facebook page on June 19. “Thanks to the University of the Fraser Valley we have a new home for September. Although the location will be temporary we are very excited to continue with the Community Cupboard.”
They thanked UFV for their generosity as well as news organizations, including The Chilliwack Progress, for spreading the word.
“Without their help we would not have made these very valued connections,” they said.
They will announce more information closer to September on the re-opening in the new location, which has not been formalized yet. The Community Cupboard is normally open for a few hours one day a week, and gives donated food, clothing and other essentials to dozens of Chilliwack families. Their last day this year will be Thursday, June 22.
Chilliwack School District needs to optimize their space for classes, as they will be smaller in the fall. Ever-growing enrolment in Chilliwack is one issue that’s created over-capacity issues at local schools. However, schools across B.C. will have to comply with a Supreme Court of Canada order to restore classroom size and composition back to 2002 levels.
As a result, five daycares and preschools have been given notice to move out by the end of June to allow school staff to begin preparing portables and classrooms for the fall.