Martha Gutierrez knows the importance of the Canadian Red Cross’ Mobile Food Bank, better than almost anyone. Seventeen years ago, Martha and her family were refugees to Canada. She, her two young children and her husband fled their home in Mexico to seek safety after political turbulence.
Arriving in Toronto in the late fall of 1997, Martha was alone, without her belongings and clothes, and in search of her husband who she eventually learned was sent to the United States. A social worker brought Martha to the local Canadian Red Cross office in Toronto.
“I didn’t speak or understand English but the Red Cross coordinator at the time, Judy Spears, was so helpful,” remembers Martha. “She brought me tea and food and I cried; she cried along with me. When she found out we had nothing, she said she would help and protect my family and I, and she did. I came by once a week for a box of food.”
Experiencing how helpful the food bank was, Martha started volunteering in the program.
“Judy taught me how to help people,” recalled Martha. “At the same time, I was client and volunteer. I worked as a volunteer full-time for eight years and I saw the program grow.”
Martha said it was Judy who recognized the special needs of certain clients and arranged to have her husband deliver boxes of food to those who were housebound.
“I went with her husband to deliver food and when there were more than 60 boxes, we started using a truck,” said Martha. “I was so happy to bring these families food. I can tell you what is going on, how they feel, when people open the door to you. The Red Cross gave me a wonderful opportunity to help others.”
Several years ago, Martha joined the Red Cross team as Mobile Food Bank Support Worker. For more than a decade, Martha has seen the food bank grow from a walk-in program to the Mobile Food Bank it is today.
“I prepare the food with dignity for someone receiving the food who needs help. You see people of all different ages, single or married, blind, without legs, in many different ways, and it touches hearts. I am so happy to do what I’m doing. I will always say thank you to the Red Cross. It’s part of my life and the Red Cross is always there.”
Help Martha and our Mobile Food Bank team bring meals to those in need this holiday season. Give the gifts of food, warmth and comfort to families across Canada.
Arriving in Toronto in the late fall of 1997, Martha was alone, without her belongings and clothes, and in search of her husband who she eventually learned was sent to the United States. A social worker brought Martha to the local Canadian Red Cross office in Toronto.
“I didn’t speak or understand English but the Red Cross coordinator at the time, Judy Spears, was so helpful,” remembers Martha. “She brought me tea and food and I cried; she cried along with me. When she found out we had nothing, she said she would help and protect my family and I, and she did. I came by once a week for a box of food.”
Experiencing how helpful the food bank was, Martha started volunteering in the program.
“Judy taught me how to help people,” recalled Martha. “At the same time, I was client and volunteer. I worked as a volunteer full-time for eight years and I saw the program grow.”
Martha said it was Judy who recognized the special needs of certain clients and arranged to have her husband deliver boxes of food to those who were housebound.
“I went with her husband to deliver food and when there were more than 60 boxes, we started using a truck,” said Martha. “I was so happy to bring these families food. I can tell you what is going on, how they feel, when people open the door to you. The Red Cross gave me a wonderful opportunity to help others.”
Several years ago, Martha joined the Red Cross team as Mobile Food Bank Support Worker. For more than a decade, Martha has seen the food bank grow from a walk-in program to the Mobile Food Bank it is today.
“I prepare the food with dignity for someone receiving the food who needs help. You see people of all different ages, single or married, blind, without legs, in many different ways, and it touches hearts. I am so happy to do what I’m doing. I will always say thank you to the Red Cross. It’s part of my life and the Red Cross is always there.”
Help Martha and our Mobile Food Bank team bring meals to those in need this holiday season. Give the gifts of food, warmth and comfort to families across Canada.
