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Having weathered the effects of COVID-19, a Vancouver Island window manufacturer is giving back, donating more than $42,000 to food banks in communities in which it serves.

“We were fortunate and it just made sense to give back to the community,” said Linda Gourlay, general manager of Van Isle Windows.

“It is an opportunity for us to address a real need.”

The company, which has been manufacturing windows on Vancouver Island for 42 years, donated $25 for every window sold in April, May and June.

Food banks in Courtenay, Cobble Hill/Mill Bay/Shawnigan and Nanaimo all received cheques of just over $7,000, as did the Mustard Seed, St. Vincent de Paul and Living Edge Community in Victoria.

Gourlay said that she knew little about the plight of food banks in general prior to the pandemic.

“I just didn’t appreciate how desperate food banks were for donations — year-round,” she said.

Shelves at many food banks are empty as the number of people looking for food to feed their families has grown during the pandemic. Food banks throughout Vancouver Island have been straining to keep up with increased demand.

While the food banks accept donations of non-perishable food, cash donations are preferable.

Gourlay said her company will be making regular donations to the food banks.

“It’s important for us to help where we can.”

parrais@timescolonist.com