The number of people in this community struggling to provide for their families is increasing, according the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
With the holidays approaching, food bank programs offer a number of different ways that individuals, groups and businesses can assist their most vulnerable and marginalized neighbours by spreading a little seasonal comfort and joy.
Starting in December, the annual Scotiabank-sponsored food bank turkey drive tickets go on sale at the Fergus branch.
Each $20 ticket will add a festive turkey or ham dinner to the Christmas hampers for food bank clients. Scotiabank will match that donation up to a maximum of $5,000.
The holiday meal is just part of the Christmas hamper program. The hampers are comprised of breakfast, dinner and dessert items collected by local churches, schools and service clubs. Hamper collection days at the Sportsplex are sponsored by Centre Wellington Hydro and The Van Grootheest Real Estate Team.
The Fergus Lions Club toy drive welcomes donations of unwrapped toys at Reliable Motors in Fergus.
These are distributed along with the Christmas hampers. As well as the special holiday hampers, the food bank is looking forward to this community’s ongoing support at the Christmas food drive at Zehrs in Fergus this December.
The Christmas Angel Program supplies gifts for a child or a group of siblings who might otherwise go without. Individual or group donors are given an anonymous form with details on the age, size and some wish list items for each child. The donations need to be ready by Dec. 10, and there is still time to get involved.
For those looking for a present for someone who has everything, a financial donation in his/her name is a thoughtful gift, state food bank officials.
Last year, Christmas hampers were distributed to just under 200 families, comprising some 450 family members (including over 200 children) whose holidays were brightened.
For more information, call 519-787-1401, email info@cwfoodbank.org or visit www.cwfoodbank.org.
