Victoria family finds refuge at food bank after fire

Naomi Race already appreciated the Mustard Seed's support as as a mother on low income raising two boys, including one with special needs.

The Victoria Food Bank's support became even more vital Nov. 18, when fire broke out in B.C. Housing's Evergreen Terrace complex where they live.

She was awakened by her nine-year-old, who was upset by shouting outside. He thought it was a fight involving aneighbour.

• Townhouse fire in Victoria displaces 10 families
• Fire at Victoria's Traveller's Inn displaces dozens of longterm tenants
• Annual CBC Vancouver food drive reaches 30 year milestone

"I opened up his bedroom curtain to see what the commotion was and then I saw these flames, fire and everything sparking everywhere," RacetoldAll Points Westassociate producer Jean Paetkau.

"I said, 'this is not a fight, get up now and get out.'"

Race roused her 13-year-old son and her husband and they escaped as firefighters and police officers banged on their door.

'We got out in a panic'

"We got out in a panic," Race said. "We have no family hardly any support here, and sowhat are we going to do? We're stuck here."

After assessing their situation at the nearby Tim Hortons, they were takento a familiar place, the Mustard Seed on Queens Avenue.

"They gave us snacks and coffee," she said. "And then, when my younger son had to go to daycare that day, they made up a big lunch for him."

Motel accommodation was arranged for the night, along with meals. Theywere also givena $40 voucher for a local grocery store as well.

In a city where they have few social supports, Race said the Mustard Seed has provided a sense of family.

Family dinners, workshops and nutrition advice

She gets groceries fromthe food bank every couple of months. They also attendthe twice-monthly family dinners organized by the Mustard Seed's family centre, Race said, "just to be with other people as a family. and sitting down to a nice meal."

Race has also taken one of the workshops providedby family centre director Diane Pearson (which cover topics including financial literacy, parenting, cooking and employment strategies).

"I would feel lost without them," Race said. "It's just a wonderful place.

"They helped me out so much, bringing different food into my house, showing me what kind of nutritionis out there to feed my kids," she said. "Especially being on disability benefits, it's been really helpful for me and my family."

With files from CBC Radio One'sAll Points West

It's CBC Radio's 30thannual Food Bank Day today

From 3 6 p.m. PTAll Points Westhost Robyn Burns will be broadcasting live outside the CBC Victoria building.

If you can't come down right away,you can click to donate here. To donate, call 604-662-6470 or 1-866-226-4642.