Food Bank Executive Director, the late George Leger receives Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal
From left to right: Fare Share Director, Peter Gabany presents The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for the late George Leger to wife Anny and Son Richard Leger – Photo - Dave Gibson, SNAP
Port Hope: Volunteers and fans of Northumberland's Fare Share Food Banks' assembled last evening at Trattoria Gusto Restaurant in Port Hope for a rather special presentation and announcements.
On September 2, 2012 the wheels were already in motion for the nomination of former Executive Director, George Leger, to receive the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal when we learned of his passing. George spent twenty years as head of the Food Bank and maintained his volunteer status throughout his service. He did everything; served as counselor and friend to clients who depended on a bi-weekly allowance of food. He was mentor to the host of volunteers that serve the banks. He was a formidable negotiator for food acquisition and he sat on many boards and committees through the years doing all he could to promote food security in Northumberland County.
Last evening Director, Peter Gabany presented the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and Certificate to George's loving wife Anny and son Richard. Gabany read from a letter from Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston which spoke of the purpose of the presentation which commemorates Canadians who, like Queen Elizabeth II, have devoted themselves to the well-being of families, community and country.
Anny Leger spoke, “I know that George would be so proud of this moment” as she thanked the board and volunteers of Fare Share.
While there, a presentation was made to unveil the new NEED MILK program serving Cobourg and Port Hope. During strategic planning in 2012 the Food Banks' board of directors decided that it needed to improve the nutritional value it distributes to those in need and the best place to start was a greater allocation of milk to children and youth.
Fare Share's Mary Daly - NEED MILK Campaign Coordinator
Gabany introduced Fare Share’s NEED MILK Campaign Coordinator, Mary Daly. Today, with the generous support from the ‘Milk for Moms’ program and an allotment of fresh milk from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, the over 300 children and youth who use the food banks currently receive 600 millilitres of milk per MONTH. “We distribute the equivalent of 2 milk servings per month, where Ontario's Food Guide recommends up to 4 milk servings per day”, Gabany said, “the amount of fresh milk that we distribute needs to increase. The board has targeted a pilot project to raise $30,000 this year in an effort to distribute 14 milk servings per month. While this is not a lot, it is a start.” Gabany went on to say, “It should be fairly easy, Cobourg and Port Hope have a population of 34,000 people. If each man woman and child could give just $1.00 then we will have met our budget.” Promotions will be held through the year to raise enough money for this program. Gabany added, “If we raise more money than our target, we'll be able to distribute even more milk.
It was announced that Kawartha Dairies has graciously adopted the NEED MILK program and will help by way of milk discounts and taking care of weekly delivery.
Director, Randy Levasseur addressed the crowd with one final announcement. “It is with extreme pleasure that the Food Bank wishes to announce the running of the first annual George Leger Memorial Golf Tournament”. The Leger family was noticeably moved as were the number of volunteers that had served under George's direction and mentorship. Randy added, “This is a fundraiser to help us with our NEED MILK program and the exciting news is that there will be 3 opportunities to win a car, as well, a host of other prizes”. Details of the golf tournament will be available in the coming weeks on www.fareshare.ca. The tournament is scheduled to run May 30th and hole sponsorships and foursomes are already being sold. Reach out to book your foursome today - admin@fareshare.ca .