Caring Cupboard: Neighbours Helping Neighbours In 2019, Fran Wassmer and Mary Blancher noticed some tenants in their seniors’ complex were struggling with food insecurity. Believing no one should have to choose between medication, personal necessities, and food, they decided to start a food bank specifically for the tenants in their building.
Announcing the 2025 Summer Theatre Season!
PortStanley FestivalTheatre
Summer Season 2025
Six years later, their grassroots effort, called Caring Cupboard, continues to provide a valuable service to a growing number of tenants. “When we started, we had around eight people,” says Fran. “Now we’re serving over 100 tenants every month.” “We have several volunteers who help us set up,” adds Mary. “We’re all tenants. Our motto is ‘neighbours helping neighbours.’” That motto extends to the outlying community; neighbouring churches and individual donors support the Caring Cupboard program with food and cash donations. Mary, Fran, and their crew collect everything from dried and canned goods to meat, eggs, cheese, and frozen food. In summer, avid gardeners donate fresh produce. London Housing also supports the Caring Cupboard by providing space within the building to operate the program, storage and new freezers, and by donating food. The Caring Cupboard is catching the attention of other community groups. In 2023, the Caring Cupboard received the Patrick Fleming Award from the Elders Abuse Society and a Community Recognition Award from Peggy Sattler in January 2024. With the holidays approaching, Mary and Fran expect needs to increase over the next few months. Donations of frozen food are among their greatest priority. At this time of year, they also need gift cards. “We give $20 in gift cards to every tenant to purchase their favourite food item as a holiday treat,” explains Mary. “Because we collect all year round and use those donations to purchase items for the Cupboard, gift card donations right now are especially cherished.” For more information or to donate, contact Fran Wassmer at 519-777-4808 or find Caring Cupboard on Facebook.
DUMP GUYS MAY 21 - MAY 31 BY SIMON JOYNES
OPRY GOLD JUNE 3 - JUNE 14 LEISA WAY'S featuring The Wayward Wind Band Hits of the Grand Ole Opry
LIARS AT A FUNERAL JULY 16 - AUGUST 2 BY SOPHIE FABIILLI
DORIS AND IVY IN THE HOME JUNE 18 - JULY 12 BY NORM FOSTER THE KITCHEN WITCHES AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 23 BY CAROLINE SMITH
goldfish AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 13
BY STEVE ROSS WORLD PREMIERE
“The Kitchen Witches” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
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(519) 782-4353 www.psft.ca Gift Certificates Always Available
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