A chance to share...

Just last week I was asked to make a speech for Hunger Awareness Day. The local food bank that I visit once a month was hosting a charity breakfast to thank their corporate sponsors and wanted a couple of clients to talk about hunger and put a face on it for them. I gladly accepted. Many school directors were present, as well as a couple groups of high school students.

One group of students put on a play that was absolutely amazing.....

When I got up to give my speech, I was surprised that I teared up at one point. I had to take a moment to contain myself....I really didn't expect the emotion that came out of me. I've had some tough times, but I'm over them, aren't I? Many people teared up when I paused and after the speech I had many many people come over and introduce themselves to me.

I thought I'd share my speech with you all here....

Hello everyone. My name is Safa Rigby. Thank you so much for inviting me and making me a part of your day.

I'm a single mother of 5 children, a product of almost 20 years of marriage. 3 years ago, I seperated from my husband and found myself thrust into LIFE for the first time in I don't know how long. I've mostly been a stay at home mother and suddenly, with the want of offering my children a better, stress free life....I was faced with new difficulties. I knew that becoming the sole provider for my children that there would be many issues, hunger wasn't something I even considered.

My children ranged in age from 1 - 16 yrs when I finally found out about Eden Food Bank. I've been a client of theirs for 3 yrs now.

Eden Food bank helped us in many ways...not just with food. The staff is kind and very supportive. One of the directors, Anne....who knew about my situation sent me to get a makeover and it boosted my self esteem. I got my hair done, my eyebrows waxed, my nails done......something I needed very much at that time in my life. Thank you, Anne.

Another volunteer there, Bob....was always quick with a smile and faster with a joke. He helped relieve the stress and anxiety I felt being there at the food bank. He always spoke to me in a loud voice and looked directly in my eyes when talking to me. You could never mistake what Bob says and to whom he talks to. Thank you, Bob.

But what Eden Food bank really did was help me keep the hungry monster away from my house. Yes, the hungry monster. That's what my children call it when they hear that rumbling in their tummies. Its the hungry monster....have you ever seen one?

As a single mother of 5 children, I have seen the hungry monster many times.

- I saw the hungry monster after my then 5 yr old went to a birthday party. She came home and vomitted all the food she ate. Her idea was that if she stuffed herself full of goodies that it would last for about 2 days.

- I battled with the hungry monster when I signed the school papers for my daughter to come home for lunch 3 times a week. I couldn't afford bread for her sandwiches and I didn't want her to feel different from the other children at school. Coming home for lunch meant I could give her some soup or leftovers.

- I cheated the hungry monster when I made the kids go to bed early after dinner. That way they wouldn't ask me for a snack that I didn't have.

- I conquered the hungry monster when I came home from Eden Food Bank with a bunch of goodies and fresh food.

Yes, I've seen the hungry monster.....and its really quite scary.

Many thanks to Eden Food bank and staff for helping me keep it away. Thank you.

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Here's the link of where the story was published......

http://www.mississauga.com/community/article/827132--spotlight-put-on-hunger