We are always interested in hearing more about the individuals in food banking across Canada! This month, our spotlight is on Sandy Singers from the Partners in Mission Food Bank in Kingston, ON.

What is your role in food banking?
I am the Executive Director of Partners in Mission Food Bank.

Describe a typical day in one word.
Diverse.

What was your inspiration to get involved in food banking?
When I started with the food bank 26 years ago, I was the Warehouse Manager and I saw it only as a job. It didn’t take long before I realized how important the role of the food bank was in the community and it then became my passion.

What is your greatest achievement in your current role?
There have been many but as with any food bank, being able to maintain a high level of service, year over year, by engaging the community’s response and support. My years on the Board and as Chair of the Ontario Association of Food Banks (now Feed Ontario) were particularly important to me as we were able to bring the organisation back from the brink of insolvency and see it flourish. 

What is the greatest challenge in your current role?
The greatest challenge is always to meet the budgetary needs of the organisation and continue our high standards of service. Funding is always a concern and it requires a personal profile that at times can be difficult but is the only way to achieve these financial goals.

If you could have one wish granted that would address hunger in Canada, what would it be?
We are long overdue in this country to have a serious conversation and action on tax reform. Without addressing the inequity of who and how much we are taxed, poverty will only continue to escalate. My wish would be that those holding the bulk of wealth be taxed more and those living in poverty less.  

What talent would you most like to have?
I love guitars and own a few very nice ones. I have always wanted to be a guitar builder.

If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Listen to your gut not your head. If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Don’t trust other people to achieve what you want for yourself. Only you can take you there. 

Who are your heroes? Fictional or real life.
I admire people who have forged their own path and been great innovators and never conformed to conventional norms. This occurs for me mostly in music with musicians like Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, John Lennon – it’s a very long list.

What is your idea of happiness?
Sitting on a beach on the North Shore of Nova Scotia watching the sun come up and the sun go down.

What is your motto?
Stop trying to reinvent the wheel – it’s a wheel, it works.

What’s something quirky about you that others may not expect or know?
I am a Scottish immigrant who literally came over on a boat in 1957, thanks for letting me stay.

What’s your theme song?
“Is That All There Is?” by Peggy Lee.

Do you know a food bank or food banker that could be featured on our next Spotlight? Contact us at communications@foodbankscanada.ca.