yer 32 - Sunday, August 4, 1985 - North Shore News Entertainment gala benefits food bank SOME people’s social consciences outrun their financial capabilities. West Vancouver’s Michael Metcalfe. is struggling against the current heavy tides of B.C. unemployment, but his mind is far from his own problems. The part-time comedian, full-time student of film will not accept the increasingly long lines of the destitute and the down-on- their-luck waiting in food bank lines as the new norm in B.C. society. And he will not accept the role of passive Observer to the increasing numbers that are being turn- ed away from what is their Jast chance, their last legal source of food, Rather than sit back and shake his head, Metcalfe has launched himself on a one- man mission to raise money for North Shore and Lower Mainland food banks. “I think after awhile peo- ple forget that there is a problem and how serious it really is,’’ Metcalfe says. ‘They have a habit of look- ing beyond Vancouver for problems, but there is a serious problem here, a ge- nuine danger of food banks going under.” Metcalfe points to the re- cent decision by Victoria’s Mustard Seed food bank to suspend food handouts to single men living alone as indication of the deteriorating food bank sit- uation and a barometer of B.C.’s worsening social weather. In his second attempt to raise money for Lower Mainland food banks and help stave off what he sees as their imminent closure, Metcalfe is organizing Summer Relief Beat 85, an August 9 concert at Van- couver’s Commodore Ballroom. Three local bands, the reggae-powered Redemp- tion, psychedelic revivalists, Brilliant Orange, and the rock macabre of Art Bergman’s Poisoned, will be donating performances to Metcalfe’s fund-raiser. “This is my first attempt at organizing something like this,’? says Metcalfe, ‘‘but I just feel that I have to do something to help.” Earlier this year, Metcalfe wrote, produced, and sang the lead vocals to “Cheers Are Not Enough’’, a scathing satire that directed lyrical and musical barbs at the inflated pomp of Expo 86. Ali proceeds from the 100 cassettes produced in the project; which was bankroll- ed entirely by Metcalfe, were and are to be donated to the Vancouver Food Bank. ““What Michael is doing is great,’’ says Craig Tailor, the assistant director of the Vancouver Food Bank. ‘‘{t’s the Michael Metcalfes who keep us going.” Tailor says that summer is an especially bad time for food banks with so many people away on holiday: ‘‘Donations drop off dramatically.”' The Vancouver food bank, he says, has five depots, one of which is in North Vancouver. In_ its three-year life span the main Vancouver bank has given out 265,000 bags of groceries and currently gives out be- tween $40,000 and $50,000 worth of food per week. “Only about four per cent By TIMOTHY RENSHAW of the people receiving the food hand-outs are skid row types,’’ Tailor explains, ‘‘we get a lot of professional people who have been unable to find work and a lot of young people, 18 to 25 year olds, who have never been able to find work. It’s really very sad.”” Tailor says the problem is now so massive that it has gone beyond the capabilities and responsibilities of private charity: ‘‘The more we do the less the governm- ent does and we get mired in the ethical and moral dilemma of should we be taking over what we think is a government responsibili- ty.” There is no quick answer to the problem, according to Tailor, ‘‘there has to be some long-term solution, and merely increasing welfare payments will not tackle the roots of what is now an extremely deep and complex problem.” The North Shore food bank, located at the North Shore Neighbourhood House, Cleaning MICHAEL METCALFE 225 East Second Street, cur- rently hands out between 200 and 300 bags of groceries per week, Metcalfe says he has had cooperation from all involv- “HOUSEHOLD CLEANING HINTS A buming candle pleasantly rids a kitchen of cooking odors and looks attractive. the North S' NORTH SHORE'S ONLY WE’RE BRINGING THE BEST | BUFFET BRUNCH sot sun 12-3 We're the only authentic Chinese seafood restaurant on hore. With our live seafood tank you can choose your own succulent seafood feast. e Crab © Prawns © Lobster ¢ Rock Cod ¢ plus unique and authentic Cantonese dishes a PISCES f THE BEST HAVE COME WEST zicenanneon.wv- 926-6037) Chinese Seafood Restaurant LEARN TO RIDE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NOATH SHORE CONTINUING EDUCATION CENTRE THE COMPLETE PROGRAM FOR ed in the proje 1 Project, especially ‘NEW’ RIDERS Commodore owner, Drew Burns, who is donating the use of his ballroom for the event. “If 1 can pull this thing off, maybe we can raise a couple of thousand for the food bank and that,'’ he says with infectious sinceri- ty, ‘will be worth all the ef- fort." For ticket information call 922-5940. — 4 hours theory, 17 hours practical — motorcycle and helrnets provided ~— class 6 road exam included —— week-end and evening courses available -— tuition $195 (tax deductible) Chie! Instructor Ted Swain Enroll now! Courses every two weeks starling Aug. 7. For details regarding schedules and registration phone Langley Driving School at 533-1944 North Shore Continuing "education at 985-8741 “OUR SERVICE IS” Hi, My name is Janice and | am proud to be a cashier at SuperValu Park Royal. In our produce department you will find a full selection of quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Tae phen . Photo by DENISE MOULDEY CANADIAN INDEPENDENT GROCER OF THE YEAR VALU COUPON S Pi, 0 0 OFF Prime Rib Roast VALU COUPON Eash roast over 3 Ibs. oe with this coupon Coupon expires Aug. 10, 1985 While Quantities Last Bem nmw nme nn al r t i] | i] t i] [ 5 i i] i t t t ] (] ] a Communications for Business (CMNS? 151- “7 ‘Wed : . 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