Tom Harris Regional Food Centre
Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank is proud to announce a transformational partnership with the Tom Harris Community Foundation.
Through a landmark commitment of $750,000, the Foundation has secured the naming rights of our new Regional Food Centre, which will now be known as the Tom Harris Regional Food Centre.
This visionary gift is the largest philanthropic commitment in the history of Loaves & Fishes and represents far more than financial support. It is an investment in a future where communities across Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia have stronger, more sustainable access to food.
Honouring Tom Harris
A True Community Champion
For many people across Vancouver Island, Tom Harris was known not for what he built in business, but for the way he showed up for his community. He believed deeply in helping others, supporting local causes, and making Nanaimo a stronger place for everyone. His generosity touched countless lives and inspired a spirit of giving that continues to shape our region today.
A lifelong Nanaimo resident, Tom became a familiar and respected figure throughout Vancouver Island. While his success in business helped build a lasting legacy, it was his commitment to people and community that truly defined him. Whether supporting local charities, championing important causes, or quietly helping those in need, Tom believed that success should be shared and that strong communities are built when neighbours look after one another.
His legacy lives on through the Tom Harris Community Foundation, which continues his lifelong commitment to community impact and charitable giving. Since its creation, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support local charities, health care initiatives, youth programs, and community projects throughout the region.
Today, the naming of the Tom Harris Regional Food Centre stands as a lasting tribute to Tom's vision: that strong communities are built when people come together to support one another.
Why the Tom Harris Community Foundation Chose Loaves & Fishes
The Tom Harris Community Foundation believes in supporting innovative, sustainable solutions that create lasting community impact. The Foundation recognized that the Regional Food Centre represents more than a building. It is infrastructure that will help feed families, support community partners, reduce food waste, and create a stronger food security network for decades to come.
“My father believed deeply in helping people and in strengthening the community that gave so much to our family. Loaves & Fishes has spent decades innovating in the food security space and building solutions that preserve dignity while feeding people in need. The Regional Food Centre will not only transform food security across Vancouver Island and coastal British Columbia, but will also serve as a model for communities elsewhere.”
Tony Harris
Tom Harris Community Foundation
The Tom Harris Community Foundation Matching Campaign
To celebrate this milestone, the Tom Harris Community Foundation has launched a community matching campaign.
Every dollar donated to the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Foundation, up to their full commitment of $750,000.
Together, we aim to raise $1.5 million to the Tom Harris Regional Food Centre and ensure this facility reaches its full potential.
$750,00
Naming Gift
$1,500,000
Campaign Goal
Founding commitment from the Tom Harris Community Foundation, announced at the sixth annual Tom Harris Charity Classic on June 19, 2026
Total campaign goal to fund completion of Phase Two of the Regional Food Centre at 1861 East Wellington Road, Nanaimo.
1:1
Matching
24 month
Campaign
Every dollar donated to the campaign is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Tom Harris Community Foundation, up to $750,000.
Campaign window running from June 19, 2026 to June 19, 2028.
Founding Partners Recognition Wall
The Tom Harris Regional Food Centre is being built through the generosity of community members, businesses, foundations, and organizations who believe that everyone deserves access to healthy food.
Donors who contribute $5,000 or more through the Tom Harris Community Foundation Matching Campaign will be permanently recognized on the Founding Partners Recognition Wall located inside the facility.
We are proud to recognize the individuals and organizations helping make this vision a reality.