There are over 130 families who were depending on the generosity of others to make ends meet this Christmas.
Fortunately, according to food bank manager Mike Counsell, people were very generous. He said in an interview last week the demand since September has increased by 25% as the economy slowed and more people needed help.
The food bank has been aiding “people who are laid off, or people having difficulty meeting the rising cost of everything.”
Counsell said problems in the slowing economy mean that some people are in danger of losing their cars, and many of them often are faced with a choice of paying the rent or buying food. That, he said, means a crisis for them.
He noted gasoline prices dropping might seem to help, but, “If you don’t have any money it doesn’t mean much.”
There are 19 new clients since the end of October alone.
“We’ve assisted over 1,000 adults and more than 650 kids so far this year,” said Counsell. “But now’s not the time to rest on our laurels – we’ve got a lot of work to do before Christmas, and I’m expecting demand for our services to only increase into January and February.”
The public is certainly responding, led in many cases by community service providers.
The Centre Wellington Rotary Club held its turkey drive, the second year it has done so. The drive aims to ensure every family has a turkey dinner this Christmas.
“We feel that the Rotary Turkey Drive has always provided important support for the Centre Wellington Food Bank and the wider community at this time of year – but our members believe that this year the need is critical,” said Campbell.
“We really want to see a turkey on every dinner table in Centre Wellington this Christmas, and we really appreciate the support we have already received from several individuals and local businesses to make that happen.”
Campbell presented a check for $2,000 to Counsell and the food bank on Dec. 17. As well, John Wheatley from the Fergus Elora Rotary Club was on hand to offer a cheque from his club, which raised $3,000. Wheatley said the club has been helping the food bank for many years.
And, in the age of partnerships, Scotiabank matched both donations and Ann Palmer was on hand to present the food bank with another $5,000.
The food bank was busy preparing food hampers for Christmas and donations were so many that volunteers were using Unity Hall, at the Fergus Sportsplex, to do that work.
There were 115 hampers needed at one point, but now more than 20 more were going out.
He is seeing people who were making good money until their plants shut down and layoffs occurred.
And, he noted, “This is a very expensive time of year.”
The food bank recently received a call from a single mother with three children. She has been ill, and there was no income during that period. She earns $12 per hour – when she is able to work.
“That’s not enough income to meet all the challenges,” Counsell said.
He noted other organizations, like the Fergus Lions Club and Reliable Motors do a toy drive to ensure children receive at least one toy during the holidays.
Volunteers from churches and grade 8 students from St. Joseph School in Fergus were at the Sportsplex helping to fill orders tailored for individual families. The hope was that every child under 18 will receive at least one gift.
Counsell said Unity Hall is an excellent venue for the work. It is large enough, and its name reflects the power of the community in meeting the needs of its citizens. It also has ample parking.
When asked if businesses in general are involved, Counsell said, “Oh, yes. Very much so.”
He explained many companies hold their own food drives and bring boxes and bags full to the food bank every Christmas.
“Even with the added families and visits, the community is keeping up with that. With the community, we can meet the challenge.”
In fact, he said, sometimes the offers of help are overwhelming. He noted, “We’ve only got so many phones and emails. We’re sorry if we can’t get them all.”
He said that there is no need for the public to show up to help at the Sportsplex, and there are schedules to meet with clients. He said if people want to make a donation of food or cash, they should bring it to the food bank Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or Tuesday and Thursday mornings, because clients pick up food packages at other times.
Campbell said the Centre Wellington Rotary Club has 18 to 20 members, and every one of them is helping this year.
Counsell said the Rotary Clubs have “done a lot for the food bank,” and also noted that other organizations such as the OPP have held drives. He knows auxiliary OPP members hold “stuff a cruiser” events.
He said of people in general, “They’re doing a lot for the food bank.”
