Kim Savage has called Surrey and Delta home for nearly 30 years. After moving to the Lower Mainland to attend Simon Fraser University in the mid-1990s, Kim has always wanted to work in the social purpose sector. “I remember deciding early on to use my skills and energy to make the world a little bit better, as cliché or overly optimistic as it may sound. I wanted to make a difference and help others,” she recalls.
Kim set out to achieve her goal. She began her career at the Union Gospel Mission, where she worked with people facing the challenges of homelessness and addiction. She understood that no one ‘chooses’ to be left behind and live on the margins.
“Terrible, awful, and traumatic things happen to some people,” she says. “They try to cope in equally destructive ways. For those who struggle less, we have a responsibility to help.” As the executive director of the Surrey Food Bank, Kim speaks excitedly about her plans to grow the organization. “Surrey needs its food bank to be an inclusive, open space where anyone facing food insecurity can find help.”
Having joined the Surrey Food Bank in the summer of 2024 (about six months ago), she is fueled by a commitment and vision to grow the Surrey Food Bank into a leading social purpose organization that can truly foster a nourished and thriving community. This growth will meet our region’s ever-increasing demands while developing households’ capacities to flourish without reliance on food banks.
The diverse nature of supporters continually inspires her. “People from all over Surrey, regardless of their culture, background, or religious views, help us to assist others. It is truly remarkable. Without fail, I connect daily with someone who is part of our mission at the Surrey Food Bank. It is inspiring to know we are all part of a community that cares for struggling individuals and that we work together to improve their situation,” Kim asserts.
“Today, I met someone battling cancer who turned an awful situation into something good,” Kim declares. She and a friend raised over one thousand dollars by shaving her head due to cancer, using the money to buy staple items for our food bank.
Surrey Food Bank is the second-largest food bank in BC, serving over 20,000 people monthly. With one in four people struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families, Surrey Food Bank is vital in providing urgent food support, ensuring no one faces hunger while working towards thriving. The food bank welcomes everyone facing need, including individuals, families, immigrants, refugees, seniors, people with disabilities, and students. Surrey Food Bank is the city’s primary food support provider and ensures broad access for all, regardless of race, religion, or culture. The food options include culturally and religiously appropriate choices so that everyone can find nourishment.
We rely heavily on community support throughout the year. Nearly every day, we receive invitations to events or meet individuals who want to help and join our efforts. This is how our community grows. We can achieve great things by taking the time to act and encouraging our networks of friends, families, and colleagues to do the same.
There are numerous ways for people to be involved in what they are doing:
- People can donate food by dropping off non-perishable items at our 13478 78th Ave, Surrey warehouse.
- Organize a food or fundraising event benefiting Surrey Food Bank.
- Donate financially—your dollar and our buying power means that we can triple the value of your contribution by purchasing food at a fraction of the cost of grocery stores.
- Invite us to speak or attend an event to share the work of Surrey Food Bank.
- Follow us on social media @surreyfoodbank to learn about opportunities to get involved; visit www.surreyfoodbank.org for more information.
