The recent Celebrate Erin event held last month is giving the local food bank a reason to celebrate.
On April 2, the Town of Erin presented a $10,171 cheque to East Wellington Community Services (EWCS).
Mayor Lou Maieron explained the recent Celebrate Erin event was a way to both celebrate local volunteers and help raise money for the local food bank.
Along with chairman Allan Alls and CEO Kari Simpson, other EWCS board members were on hand for the event.
Alls noted the board membership is evenly split between members from Rockwood (Guelph-Eramosa) and the town of Erin.
“It’s a good mix,” Alls said.
Maieron noted the food bank seems to have an ever increasing need with about 1,100 users each year.
“That number is climbing as it approaches close to five per cent of the population.
“There is a lot of people who need the food bank and unfortunately with the economy the way it is, it is an ever increasing number.”
He believed this donation will be a valuable contribution to the work being done by EWCS.
On behalf of the board and the staff at the two food banks, Alls thanked all those involved.
“I thank the community as well. It is definitely needed.
“I think this whole idea of Celebrate Erin is excellent because there are a lot of people who do a lot of work in the community and don’t get paid for it.
“They should be recognized at least once a year.”
Simpson added thanks also go to all the organizations which helped make the event happen.
Maieron said there were some tough moments, “but all in all it was a good first effort. You gotta be proud if you can sell out on your first event.”
The funds will be used to support the operation of the program, from purchases of food and supplies to assisting in the overhead expenses for the food bank including utilities.
Last month, councillor Josie Wintersinger asked for an accounting of the expenses of the event, which were provided by Erin CAO Frank Miele.
Working from memory, Meile stated the bulk of the expenses was for food ($6,300), staff coordination time ($3,500), awards ($400), Celebrate Erin banner ($250), and “Shamrock plants” on each table ($150), with the remainder for printing posters and tickets.
In total, the event generated $20,762 in revenue and expenses of $10,790 – leaving a net profit of $10,171.
