In a move that’s drawn community attention, the Friends In Need Food Bank in Maple Ridge has kicked off an online auction featuring two coveted tickets to The Weeknd’s upcoming Vancouver concert. The initiative comes at a critical time for the organization, which has experienced an unprecedented 30% increase in client visits over the past year.
“We’ve never seen numbers like this,” explains Mary Robson, executive director of the food bank. “Last month alone, we served over 700 households, representing more than 2,000 individuals in our community. Nearly a third of those are children.”
The prize package includes two tickets to The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn Tour at BC Place on August 25th, valued at approximately $600. The food bank received the tickets as a donation from a long-time supporter who wished to remain anonymous.
Community response has been encouraging. Since the auction launched on the food bank’s Facebook page last week, bidding has already surpassed $400, with ten days still remaining before it closes on August 15th.
“Every dollar raised helps us keep our shelves stocked,” says Robson. “With food costs what they are today, a successful auction could provide several weeks’ worth of fresh produce for our clients.”
The timing is particularly significant as summer donations typically decline while family needs often increase. According to Statistics Canada data released in June, food prices in British Columbia have risen by 5.8% compared to last year, outpacing the national average.
Behind the numbers are real community members facing difficult choices. James Wickman, a 42-year-old construction worker and father of three, began visiting the food bank in April after a workplace injury left him temporarily unable to work.
“I never thought I’d need this kind of help,” Wickman told me during a recent visit to the food bank. “But with rent and groceries the way they are, I don’t know how we’d manage otherwise. The staff here treats everyone with such dignity.”
The Friends In Need Food Bank, which has operated in Maple Ridge since 1984, provides emergency food assistance to residents across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Beyond emergency hampers, they offer specialized programs for seniors, school-aged children, and those with dietary restrictions.
What makes this fundraiser noteworthy is its appeal to younger community members who might not typically engage with food bank initiatives. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has built a massive following that spans demographic groups.
“We’re always looking for creative ways to reach new supporters,” notes Vicki Edmonds, the food bank’s development coordinator. “Concert tickets attract attention from people who might scroll past our usual appeals.”
Local businesses have taken notice too. Three Maple Ridge restaurants have offered gift certificates as secondary prizes for the auction, adding additional incentive for community participation.
City councillor Ahmed Yousef expressed support for the initiative at Tuesday’s council meeting: “Our local food bank provides an essential service that unfortunately more and more families are needing. I encourage everyone to check out the auction, even if just to share it with friends who might be fans.”
For the food bank, this auction represents more than just fundraising. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about food insecurity in a community where rising housing costs have put increased pressure on working families.
BC Housing data indicates that average rent in Maple Ridge increased by 11.3% last year, significantly impacting household budgets already stretched thin by inflation.
“Many of our new clients are employed,” Robson points out. “They’re working full-time jobs but still can’t make ends meet after paying for housing. That’s a relatively new phenomenon for us.”
The food bank hopes the auction will raise at least $800, though they’d welcome more. That amount could provide approximately 2,400 meals based on their purchasing efficiency.
Those interested in participating can find the auction on the Friends In Need Food Bank Facebook page or by contacting their office directly. For community members unable to bid but still wishing to support, the organization accepts donations through their website or in person at their McIntosh Avenue location.
As the bidding continues, staff members remain focused on their daily operations – sorting donations, preparing hampers, and welcoming clients with the same respect and care they’ve provided for nearly four decades in Maple Ridge.
“Whether it’s a concert ticket auction or a traditional food drive, what matters most is that our community continues to look out for one another,” Robson says. “That’s always been the Maple Ridge way.”
