Submitted by IRIS
Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS), a nonprofit organization providing critical assistance to local families, announces it raised $5,750 in its fourth annual Mother’s Day campaign. Proceeds of the fundraiser were used to purchase groceries for 20 Skagit and Whatcom immigrant families including 51 children. All families are headed up by single women.
In addition to receiving a full cart of basic groceries for their families, each mother was honored with a card, and a flowering plant. “At times, I feel very alone and invisible, and then you [IRIS] show up, you see me,” said one recipient. Another mother commented, “It has been such a long journey — eight years. But now, having support from IRIS has made it possible for me to raise my two boys.”
IRIS pre-screened all families to ensure they met financial eligibility requirements and were experiencing food shortages. Despite using local food banks, many lacked culturally appropriate foods as well as paper goods, diapers, toothpaste, soap or detergent. Most are not eligible for food stamps, health insurance or government services.
Contributions were made by members of the public as well as corporate sponsors. Community Health Plan of Washington, North Coast Credit Union, Cascade Cuts, and Wilson’s Furniture served as sponsors.
“Due to the generosity of the public, we were able to serve 37% more families this year,’ says Norma Suarez Govea, Executive Director of IRIS. Govea continued, “As well as providing sustenance to local immigrants, this fundraiser is helping individuals maintain their dignity.”
Those interested in supporting IRIS’s ongoing programs can go to irisnw.org or mail a check to 1050 Larrabee Avenue, Suite 104, #498, Bellingham, WA 98225.
For more information, please contact IRIS Executive Director Norma Suarez Govea at 360.935.1688 or norma@irisnw.org.
