The organizers of a fundraiser benefiting struggling seniors is putting out one more plea for donations to the Nutrition Coupon Program.
A GoFundMe was started hosted by the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie, Seniors Network to help seniors in need in the community afford fresh food.
The goal of the fundraiser was to raise $8,640.
"We need your help! We are just $1,860 short of our goal! Four low-income seniors are still waiting to be added to the Nutrition Coupon Program in Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge," said Heather Treleaven online, former executive director of the seniors network.
Including donations from service clubs and community members, so far the total raised to date is $6,810, she said.
Last week the Meadow Ridge Rotary Club donated $1,296, adding three seniors to the program.
"Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Please share this campaign with your networks and help the Seniors Network & Family Education and Support Centre ensure low-income seniors have access to healthy local produce," added Treleaven.
The fundraiser was in response to the overwhelming demand for the program when registration first opened.
According to the GoFundMe page, the program was filled to capacity within an hour of registration opening.
Coupons have a value of $27 per week for 16 weeks. Each senior's participation in the program costs $432. The goal of the fundraiser is to add 20 seniors to the program this year.
All funds raised will go directly to the Family Education & Support Centre in Maple Ridge to purchase Nutritional Coupons for seniors aged 65 and older to use at the Haney Farmers Market this year.
To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/HelpHungrySeniors?attribution_id=sl:c8e1bfae-08e1-4264-bb5d-4077cc7c0bdd&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.
