FERGUS – Aiming to give back to the community during the holiday season, Agrisan Specialty Chemical and Pharmaceutical in Arthur donated $20,000 to the Centre Wellington Food Bank on Dec. 29.
Food bank manager Curt McQueen told the Community News he was “just absolutely amazed and surprised” by the donation.
“When something like that happens, it allows us to move beyond our regular operating costs and grocery purchasing, and look at what plans we could work on for additional support in terms of food security,” said McQueen.
He noted information from studies has shown there are people in the area who are struggling with food costs and they are “food insecure,” but have not yet had access to the food bank.
“We’re looking into what those reasons could be, or if there are other ways that we can get food out to people,” he said.
“With such a significant donation, that allows us to get creative and add to what we’re already doing.”
The number of clients at the Centre Wellington Food Bank has increased by nearly 35 per cent over the past eight months, according to the food bank manager, who added “more food is going out the door.”
And helping more and more people means operating costs will continue to remain high.
Since the food bank just recently found out about the donation, McQueen said officials are not yet sure what the money will be going towards.
“We’re very well supported, but also you never know from year to year how much support you’re going to get,” he said.
“It’s not a fixed number. So, we have to be careful when we’re adding to our services.”
Agrisan
Kerry Reibeling is general manager and vice president at Agrisan.
The pharmaceutical company has been supporting the community for “many years,” notably its hospitals and food banks.
Last year, the company supported the Arthur and Mount Forest food banks, but decided to move over to Centre Wellington this time.
“The Centre Wellington [Food Bank] seemed to cover a bigger area and we’ve got some employees who live in Fergus. So, we’d like to try to support the communities where team members live,” said Reibeling.
“There’s so many causes, I think every one would be a good choice. But when you look at the food bank, it’s an instant need for people, so it’s one we’re happy to support.”
Reibeling told the Community News the donation was not made for recognition, but it is good for employees at Agrisan to see that the company they work for is supporting the community.
“Just appreciation again to Agrisan and for their support … my thanks goes out to them again for connecting with us and being so generous with their support,” said McQueen.
For more information or to donate visit cwfoodbank.org.
