FERGUS – Despite collecting hundreds of pounds of food over the Christmas season, the Centre Wellington Food Bank still has a need for cash and food donations as rising food costs are forcing families to its door.
And Mochrie and Voisin Real Estate and The Vault café are joining forces to fill the void with their “Spread the Love” food drive.
“Rob and I talked about doing a food drive at Christmas, but the timing didn’t work out for us,” said Vault owner Mandy Morrison.
“But the need carries on, so we decided to do a food drive now and centre it around Valentine’s Day.”
There’s a small office beside The Vault that’s owned by Mochrie and Voisin, and the goal is to fill the office with food.
“Both of our businesses are in high-need areas – food security and housing,” added Rob Voisin, of the real estate firm.
“We feel a responsibility to give back to the community.”
Voisin said demand for the food bank increased by 24 per cent over Christmas, and the supply collected before the holidays is dwindling.
“February and March are the driest two months of the year,” he continued. “People are exhausted of giving.”
So, to sweeten the pot, the duo has pulled together a gift basket filled with things for Valentine’s Day, including dinner for two at The Vault, flowers, and other love-themed prizes.
Everyone who donates non-perishable food or makes a $10 minimum cash donation will receive a ballot for the prize package, valued at more than $200.
Donations can be dropped off at The Vault, located at 101 St. Andrew St. W in Fergus, between 8am and 6pm any day of the week.
There will also be a barrel for donations in the foyer of Mochrie and Voisin.
“We like to partner with The Vault on business development and charitable development,” said Voisin.
“Doing good is good business.”
Mochrie and Voisin held a toy drive at Christmas and received 700 toys, “which blew us out of the water how successful it was.”
Morrison has only owned The Vault for a year, but her other business, Scoop Ice Cream in Elora, has long contributed to Food and Friends, and the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund.
“Food causes are important to me,” Morrison said. “It’s so important that kids are fed.”
The two suggest people follow them on social media for updates on the priority items needed at the food bank.
The food bank’s website lists pasta sauce, canned vegetables (including kidney beans and six-bean blends), peanut butter and canned meats among its most-needed items.
What it has plenty of for the moment is pasta, tomato soup, and canned chickpeas and lentils.
