Food banks helping those in need gŏđŏ
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“When a father and mother come into the Food Bank for help, they really have no choice,” said Jeanne Charlebois, mayor of Hawkesbury and president of the Hawkes- bury Central Food Bank. “Times are tough right now for a lot of people.” “We always see a little increase each year, but this year is extraordinary,” declared Helene Anstey, coordinator of the L’Orignal food bank.“With increases in utilities expec- ted this year, I am sure there is going to be another increase in families that need our help. Its absolutely nuts.” The number of people requesting assis- tance has just about doubled at the L’Ori- gnalin the past year, with numbers !uc- tuating slightly in Vankleek Hill, and almost doubling in Hawkesbury. “It’s really scary,” said Anstey. “The numbers have always been a little up and down in L’Orignal. Times are tough.” The Food Banks rely on donations from the community and from sponsors to keep their shelves stocked. L’Orignal and Van- kleek Hill have second-hand stores to help with funds, but most of what they rely on comes from the community. “Cassburn United Church has been like our guardian angel. It sometimes brings tears to our eyes,” exclaimed Anstey. “They always ask what they can do for us. It’s heart warming. They have a food box in their sanctuary for DIANE HUNTER DIANE.HUNTER@EAP.ON.CA
us and they give us knitted items that we can include in our Christmas baskets.” The owner of the three Hawkesbury Tim Hor- tons, Paul Burke, presented a cheque for $4,000 to the Hawkesbury Central Food Bank Wednesday. “We want to keep our focus on the community,” said Burke. “The majority of Tim Hortons stores donate to their local food banks.” L’Orignal and Vankeek Hill will also help out people who might need clothing to go for an interview. “For people who are strug- gling to make ends meet and need clothing to go for an interview, they can come and pick out a suit or something appropriate for the occasion,” said Anstey. “That’s what we do. We like to help people in need. That is our mission, to help people not only with food, but with clothing too.” Although there is a second hand store in Hawkesbury, they are not a"liated with the food bank. “The money we make here goes towards paying our bills,” said Andree Di- caire, a volunteer at the store. “We are all vo- lunteers here. If there is an extra, we donate it to local charities like the food bank and the hospital.”Gently used second hand clothing can be purchased at a reduced rate but not o#ered to those that may need something appropriate to secure employment. Campaigns under way The food banks in Champlain Township say they receive more donations during the Christmas season; however donations are needed year round. “The food we col-
lect over Christmas has to hold us over for the next few months as well,” said Robert Lefebvre, volunteer with the Hawkesbury Food Bank. “People don’t donate very much during January and February.” The food banks’ major campaigns will be under way shortly with donation boxes showing up in just about every major store in the area. Grocery packing fundraising events will be taking place soon as well. The Hawkesbury Central Food Bank will be holding their fundraiser from November 27 to 29 and again from December 12 to 14 at Your Independent Grocer on Cameron Street. Scotia Bank is a major sponsor of the event, agreeing to match every dollar raised to donate to the food bank.
The L’Orignal Food Bank will be holding a similar fundraiser from December 18 to 24 at Your Independent Grocer, and the Vankleek Hill Food Bank will be setting up food boxes throughout the community. “We have such a generous community,” said Irene Howes, coordinator of the Vankleek Hill Food Bank. Those who would like to volunteer their services or obtain a Christmas basket can contact the Hawkesbury Food Bank at 613- 636-0666, the L’Orignal Food Bank at 613- 675-1999, or the Vankleek Hill Food Bank at 613-678-8119. Students wishing to donate their time can use the hours for community service.
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Photo Diane Hunter
Hawkesbury Centre 250, rue Main Est, local 104 Hawkesbury ON 613-632-0602
Yvan Normand, Helene Anstey and Nicole Picard at the L’Orignal Food Bank, are happy to be of service to those who need a helping hand.
613.632.9877 797 MCGILL ST. (HWY 34), HAWKESBURY, ON
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