27,737 packs. 750 students. 40 schools. 1 incredible year.
And at the heart of it all? 140 amazing volunteers.
This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the incredible people who make the Abbotsford Starfish Pack Program possible.
Since 2013, Starfish volunteers have shown up with heart and purpose: sorting, assembling, and delivering nutritious, kid-friendly food to students in Abbotsford who might otherwise go without over the weekend. They’ve helped us bridge the hunger gap one pack at a time, and their impact is immeasurable. The weight of a Starfish pack in a student’s life is more than just food to fill a stomach; it is reliable, easy-to-eat food packed with nutrients to feed their brains and hearts too.
Some of our volunteers have been with us since day one. They’ve weathered every change, every challenge—including the uncertainties of a global pandemic—without missing a beat. From those early days of just 6 packs a week up to an impressive 750 packs earlier this year, Starfish volunteers have stayed steady, adaptable, and committed.
Each week, sorting teams lift heavy boxes, count out food with care, and make sure every single item is just right. Packers and drivers navigate school schedules and fuller-than-full vehicles to make sure each school gets exactly what it needs. Even during the summer, volunteers show up with welcoming smiles to help families shop for groceries and feel supported during the break.
This is no small thing.
This is community in action.
To every Starfish volunteer—past, present, and future:
Thank you.
Your time, your effort, and your dedication make a real difference.
Because of you, kids show up to school on Monday ready to learn.
Because of you, families feel seen, supported, and cared for in their community.
From all of us at the Starfish Pack Program and Archway Food Bank:
We see your passion. We appreciate your time and care. And we truly couldn’t do this without you.