6. Immigrant Link Society: From Pollution To Solution: Financial Sustainability Strategies for Soul Bite

Organization Information

Organization Name

Immigrant Link Centre Society

Mission and Vision of Organization

Mission

Immigrant Link improves access to healthy food for immigrants and refugees by gathering and distributing useable, unsold food from grocery stores to the community at no cost. We are focused on an important mission to prevent food waste, protect our environment, and support economic growth for new immigrants and low-income families. We are committed to saving resources, energy, and time, while improving access to nutritious foods.

Vision

Fighting hunger and combating food waste.

Guiding Principles + Values

ILCS volunteers come from 4 continents and over 20 countries with one common goal which is to give back to the local community for living in Canada. We are all in one of the most important mission nowadays, and that is to prevent food waste as much as possible. Not only do we save resources, energy and time, we also return money to the economy instead of being thrown through still edible food. By donating free food to people, we are helping to reduce pollution of the environment, too.

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Igor Bjelac (he/him); Ali Haeri

• Email: igorbjelac@yahoo.com; bhaeri@yahoo.com
• Phone: 604-724-7028
• Address: #403-206 Therrien Street
• Website: www.immigrantlink.ca

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact: Tuesdays, Thursdays
• Best time(s) to contact: Afternoons

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• Zoom

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

With our charity work our goal is to increase the number of our beneficiaries, improve access to safe and healthy foods for Canadians at risk of food insecurity, and to provide access to affordable and nutritious food choices. In addition to providing free food, the From Pollution To Solution project has a big impact on saving environment and reducing methane emissions.

Our social enterprise, Soul Bite Food Inc, is in the start-up stage. 50% of Soul Bite's profits go to charities who are fighting hunger and combating food waste in Canada. While charities tend to rely on grants, the financial sustainability of Soul Bite is a critical consideration. Students working on this project will contribute to the development of our financial sustainability strategy beyond a reliance on grant-based funding.

Main Project Activities and Deliverables

• Students will research and identify case of studies of financially sustainable charities and social enterprises
• We are open to learning from any innovative idea and case studies of similar projects
• Students will complete a report of case studies and promising practices, including recommended strategies for Soul Bite's financial sustainability

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• We would love to work with any passionate student who is eager to save environment, and who is interested in advancing food security for vulnerable populations

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• No

Will the project take place online, in person, or a combination?

• · Online and in person

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• No

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• There are some opportunities for volunteering work, if students want to take part, please contact us!
• Interested students can also visit the Volunteer page on our website to see a list of available volunteer opportunities.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

• www.immigrantlink.ca
• www.soulbitefood.com
• Zero Waste 2040
• "Table scraps for the poor won’t end poverty"
• "Brooklyn's trendiest dining reservation may be in a dumpster"

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:

• N/A