Many flock to Fare Share Food Banks to show their support
Food bank hosts a volunteer information evening
March 30, 2011 – Cobourg – It is with great pleasure that the Northumberland Fare Share Food Banks received 38 prospective volunteers last week at the Cobourg Knights of Columbus Hall. Held as a recruitment event the hall filled quickly with all ages from the region wanting to find out how they could get involved and give of their time. The event was also held to kick off the Banks’ 25th Anniversary theme for the year – The Year of Plenty. “This year we have plenty of people to feed, we need plenty of money, plenty of food and plenty of help to do our job”, exclaimed Executive Director, George Leger.
Fare Share held a similar volunteer recruitment event in Port Hope February where 12 people attended and collectively at least 15 people have come forward so far adding to a roster of 42 volunteers. “We have had some of our people with us for 24 years; George has been with the bank for 19 and Peter Hills 13 years” stated presenter, Peter Gabany. The turnout was very encouraging and the questions were very much appreciated. People wanted to know more about how the bank worked, how they could become involved and if they could arrange a tour of either bank. “I can’t say enough, I was astounded at the show of support”, said George Leger, “this is the first event we have held in Cobourg and the turnout was touching”.
People interested in working with the bank can sit on any number of committees including: fundraising, food drive, 25th Anniversary/special event, administration, and student committees. A workshop is planned in the very near future and both the student and 25th Anniversary committee are working away making plans for this very busy year.
With an increase in the number of people using the bank not only does the bank require food and financial support but also with nearly 2,600 people using the banks in Port Hope and Cobourg the bank requires people power. Gabany explained that this year the bank is forecasting a need of 147 tons of food required to prepare over 170,000 meals the bank provides for. “This is only about 15% of the meal requirements for the year for the 2,600 people we serve”, Gabany explained, “where they get the other 85% is beyond me”.
People are encouraged to donate online or arrange a tour of either bank by calling the head office, 905-372-5308 or registering to become a volunteer on the Banks’ website – www.fareshare.ca Food can always be dropped of at one of the major grocery stores in the area, Herma’s Fine Foods (who also accepts cash donations) or at Kawartha Credit Union or the Fire Hall in your community.
Contact: George Leger
Executive Director
admin@fareshare.ca