Easter Food Drive “Community Challenge” reaches exciting stage
Penryn Village now has 8 challengers
April 13, 2011, Cobourg – Northumberland Fare Share Food Banks is only 5 days into the Easter Food Drive “Community Challenge” and it has picked up 8 new challengers.
Fare Share worked with Penryn Villagers to present a challenge to all communities in the West Northumberland area to see who could collect the most food and donations, which will help to feed the nearly 2,600 people that grace the doors of the banks, located in both Cobourg and Port Hope. Last Christmas in less than an hour this small group received food from 100% of their neighbours and collected over a tonne of food and nearly $1,500. Penryn Village went so far as to help write the instructions for running a successful drive for this event.
First to pick up the gauntlet was Lauria Hyundai of Port Hope. Bud Lauria reported that food was already streaming in from both workers and customers. Northumberland Hills Hospital Restorative Care Unit joined the same day. “We are so very pleased that people are picking up the challenge and actively participating”, said Peter Gabany, Communications Advisor, “we received a call from Kim Rudd’s campaign office today that they have registered – speak about putting your money where your mouth is – the Liberals state that they are committed to improving Canada's declining quality of life and I guess this gesture certainly supports that”.
The Victorian Operatta Society have now signed up and joined forces with other area arts groups. “We’re going to win this”, said Liz Clark, long time member/supporter of the VOS, “and to make sure we do, we got together with another group, we’ll show them who can collect more”. In true ‘Liz Clark’ fashion she also recruited the YMCA to assist.
Not to be outdone, Tom Copeland of eagle.ca registered his group representing all eagle.ca clients – well over 3,500 people and added his own challenge where he will grant and additional $.50 for every kilo collected up to 1 tonne or $1,000.
Yesterday, Strathrose Estates and WinMar of Port Hope registered as well. This is wonderful news, George Leger, Executive Director said, “It so early in the event and we already have 8 groups. I wonder how many will register to help fill our banks? We can certainly use the help”. And to top it all off, Sandy Richards, PHHS teacher, announced today that the Port Hope High School would be competing in this Easter drive challenge.
A winning group will be selected from the list of challengers and 25 of the groups’ closest friends will be treated to a Traditional Italian Feast at Abato’s Italian Market in Port Hope.
Office staff, factory workers, municipal offices, schools, church groups, teams, and clubs are encouraged to pick up the challenge. Running a drive on your own is simple to do, simply register online at www.fareshare.ca follow the Easter bunny and download the instructions and posters and start your campaign.
Northumberland Fare Share Food Banks is community funded and the food they give out comes from the people who live and work in Cobourg and Port Hope. Fare Share is also helping to supply the Port Hope Community Health Centre when it can. The banks predict the need for 144 tonnes of food will be needed in 2011 with over 31,000 being served. Fare Share suggests that if you are in some way connected with any of these groups listed make your donations directly to them – help make their challenge a success. People can always give through collection boxes at all local grocers, Herma’s Fine Food and Gifts, Kawartha Credit Union and others while cash donations can be made at either community BMO office or online through www.fareshare.ca .