Waffles in the Warehouse returns for its ninth year on September 23rd for a hybrid event. This year’s title sponsor is YNCU, a financial institution focused on promoting growth in local communities. YNCU has been a dedicated supporter of The Food Bank since 1997, collecting 2,685 pounds of food and $51,876 in donations, for a total of 127,725 meals!

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region spoke with Chief Member Experience Officer Archie Bonifacio ahead of Waffles in the Warehouse to find out more about why YNCU chose to sponsor the event.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Can you tell us a little bit about YNCU?

Archie Bonifacio: YNCU is a financial institution that offers different services to people working to meet their financial goals, including advice and planning. YNCU is different from a bank, because we’re owned by our members. We’re working for our members to make their lives better.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Why is it important for YNCU an organization to give back to the community?

Archie Bonifacio: One of our key principles is to be a committed community partner. We have the commitment from each of our employees to find a way to give back to their community, since those are the people we’re serving and where we draw our membership from.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: What does it mean to YNCU to be able to give generously to charitable and non-profit organizations like The Food Bank of Waterloo Region?

Archie Bonifacio: Being able to give back to the community means we’re doing well for our membership and we’re profitable. We invest in our community to make our neighbourhoods better. We enjoy working with organizations that allow us to volunteer our time. 

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: How is YNCU supporting The Food Bank?

Archie Bonifacio: We want to be leaders in our community, and bring light to organizations that we believe are in need of our support, giving our time as well as financial donations. We’ve got a number of challenges out there with our corporate and branch staff to go do a food sort at The Food Bank and really get involved with the organization.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Why has YNCU chosen to sponsor Waffles in the Warehouse?

Archie Bonifacio: The format of it is great, because it gives people a good understanding of what goes on within The Food Bank and all the lives that it touches. They also help us understand their process and what’s required in getting food to community members in need. 

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: This year, we’re able to go back into the warehouse for an in-person event. What are you looking forward to this year?

Archie Bonifacio: We had a chance to visit the Food Bank in person last year and get a tour when we presented our corporate donation. I’m looking forward to seeing individuals in person again and turning virtual meetings into face-to-face ones. The energy you get when you’re with other organizations that believe in a cause and want to contribute as much as possible is very worthwhile.

The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: Why is it important for YNCU to combat food insecurity in Waterloo Region and across Ontario? 

Archie Bonifacio: Within Waterloo Region and across Ontario, food insecurity was a major issue that really hit home over the past number of years due to the pandemic. But it has always been an important issue. We think everybody deserves the right to a healthy meal. We want to do everything we can to help move the needle to make things better in our community.

You can purchase tickets for Waffles in the Warehouse here!