Seattle King County Realtors (SKCR) has named Realtor Tom Bernard its Q4 “Good Neighbor” for his volunteer work with Ballard Food Bank.

A Realtor at Windermere Real Estate, Bernard has been volunteering at the food bank for 13 years. In addition to hands-on volunteer work, he is a financial donor and serves on the organization’s board of directors, according to a press release. 

“Our motto is, ‘We bring food and hope to our neighbors because there can be enough for everyone.’ It is incumbent upon all of us fortunate to have enough to support those who don’t,” Bernard said. “There are dozens of volunteers at the Ballard Food Bank who believe in this philosophy, as well as hundreds, maybe even thousands, that provide us financial support.”

The Ballard Food Bank raised nearly $14 million in donations to build its new facility at 1400 NW Leary Way, which opened last month. This is where Bernard and other volunteers sort the groceries delivered weekly to families and individuals in local communities.

“The Good Neighbor Award committee is pleased to present the Q4 SKCR Good Neighbor Award to Tom Bernard,” said Caitlin Olsen, committee chair for the Good Neighbor Award program. “This award recognizes his consistency and passion for helping feed our neighbors in our communities.”

Bernard and other Ballard Food Bank volunteers refer to the new facility as a “Hub for Hope.” In addition to grocery delivery services, the organization operates its own “grocery store” within the facility and serves meals on-site. 

“It’s good for the soul,” said Bernard. “The Ballard Food Bank is an extremely important place to me and to the greater northwest Seattle community. I’ve seen lives changed and hope sustained, not only for our clients but for all the volunteers and donors associated with it.”