Brandon’s Helping Hands Receives Vital $20,000 Boost in Funding

The Helping Hands Centre of Brandon has secured an additional $20,000 in funding from the City of Brandon, significantly alleviating some financial pressures faced by the local soup kitchen. This funding was approved by the city council as part of the budget for 2026, adding to the annual grant of $30,000 already provided to the non-profit organization.

City officials made this decision following the province’s allocation of $200,000 derived from the sale of U.S. liquor during the holiday season. Andrea Epp, the chair of the Helping Hands Centre board, expressed gratitude for the financial support, stating, “This has us not as concerned about the future of Helping Hands.”

Epp highlighted that the funds are crucial for maintaining the soup kitchen’s operations, which have been strained due to rising costs and a decrease in both food and monetary donations. The organization’s monthly expenses range between $25,000 and $30,000, making any additional funding essential for its sustainability.

Funding Addresses Urgent Needs

The newly awarded funds will primarily be directed towards covering costs incurred from urgent repairs to a leaking roof. The total expense for the roof repair reached $225,000, which significantly depleted the organization’s reserves. Epp noted that this unexpected expenditure placed the organization in a precarious financial situation, stating, “That put us into a huge deficit.”

In recent years, Helping Hands has faced challenges in securing grants before projects commence, which has further complicated its financial situation. Epp mentioned that the organization has started purchasing its own food for the first time due to a decline in donations, highlighting the pressing need for consistent financial support.

“We’re always going to be looking for different funding sources. I don’t think that will ever stop. That’s what’s kept us alive up till now,” Epp added. The organization anticipates receiving the provincial funding in late March 2024, while continuing to seek additional support from the provincial government.

Community Support and Future Plans

Epp emphasized the importance of sustained provincial funding, noting that the contribution from the liquor sales marked the first time the province has provided financial assistance. “We are going to keep on them to make sure that they don’t forget that we exist, and that they keep us going,” she stated, expressing hope for “something fairly significant” in future contributions.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett also voiced his commitment to advocating for ongoing support from the provincial government, highlighting the essential role that Helping Hands plays in the community. “The work that they do is just so essential for our community,” he remarked, acknowledging that the city’s additional funding was a response to “extreme circumstances” related to the roof repair costs.

In December, Helping Hands had submitted a request for an extra $15,000 from the city to create a strategic plan, though this was ultimately reduced to $2,500 and rejected by the council. Despite this setback, Epp noted that donors stepped in to help secure necessary funding.

Looking ahead, Helping Hands is in the process of establishing a fundraising committee to enhance its financial sustainability, with more information expected to emerge later this year. The organization remains committed to its mission of providing vital services to those in need, underscoring the importance of community support in these challenging times.