FERGUS – The J.D. Hogarth Public School community has surpassed its goal of collecting 5,000 items to donate to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
The annual donation drive, which has been going on for about 10 years, is led by Grade 7 and 8 students in Jim Newton’s class.
Last year, the students surpassed their goal of collecting 3,000 donations, hitting a school record with over 3,200.
This year, they collected 6,075 donations.
For every 1,000 donations collected, someone will volunteer to shave their head – something Newton already followed through with this year.
Three more heads were set to be shaved during the final assembly on Dec. 19.
The initiative includes holding weekly assemblies to “pump up everyone” and get them in the giving spirit, Newton said.
The Advertiser spoke with students in his Grade 7/8 class about how they felt about organizing the food drive.
“I feel really honoured to be able to help,” said Kayden Thompson.
“It’s really important because some people don’t have enough money to feed their kids, or animals,” said Tori Robinson. “It’s great to help people – especially people who have kids.”
With over 6,000 items collected, the students surpassed their record breaking total from last year (3,200 items) and this year’s goal of 5,000 items. Photo by Robin George
“No one deserves to be hungry,” added Chelsea Williams.
“I really think its very important, because especially around the holidays, people struggle,” said Brooke Leslie.
“It’s a really busy and special holiday, and if you don’t have the right supplies it doesn’t feel as special.”
Donating to food banks is particularly valuable around the holidays, said Derek Friesen, as food is a significant aspect of many holiday celebrations.
“The food bank is very important all year,” added Yasmine Price, “but especially in winter, when you have to pay for heating bills and other things.”
Donating to the food bank is essential, Price added, “because if people don’t have food they can’t survive.”
Donating hygiene products is also a good idea, added Lincoln Taylor, because “as inflation keeps going up and up, it gets harder and much more of a struggle to be able to afford stuff.”
Gia Brodie said it feels “really good participating in the food bank drive because it’s good to give back to the community.”
