More than 200 people came out last Saturday night for the Celebrate Erin Volunteer Appreciation Awards Dinner.
“It was a fantastic show of community support and community spirit to support the food bank,” said Erika Westcott, manager of community Services and volunteers for East Wellington Community Services (EWCS), which runs the food banks in Erin and Rockwood.
The sold-out crowd took part in silent and live auctions with all proceeds going to support the food bank in Erin.
The evening was guided by master of ceremonies comedian Sandra Shamas. Taking over the live auction was Mayor Lou Maieron, with help from Jay Mowat and town crier Andrew Welch.
The live auction had the crowd engaged and saw many items go well beyond their expected bids, including dinner at David’s Restaurant for two with Maieron and Erin CAO Frank Miele.
The bidding started at $5 but quickly escalated to a final price of $2,000.
Following the auction, the 2013 Shamrock Awards were presented to community volunteers for citizenship and outstanding community service in the following categories:
– youth volunteer, Kylee Mazerolle;
– senior volunteer, Peter Douglas;
– culture and recreation, Jim Peavoy;
– community development, Stephanie Gairdner;
– volunteerism, Eleanor Kennedy and Gerry Wright;
– environment, Liz Armstrong;
– humanitarian, Phil Gravelle; and
– Citizen of the Year, Wilson Belford of the Erin Optimist Club.
The evening included a dinner catered by David’s Restaurant and other menu items from local food providers such as What’s Cookin’ and Holtom’s Bakery.
Community businesses and services donated thousands of dollars in prizes.
“We’re fortunate to live in a community that can be so giving,” said Westcott, who added the money will go to help offset the costs and utilities for the food bank at Centre 2000 and also help keep food on the shelves when stock is low.
“We definitely need it and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Westcott added that since the Christmas food drive, donations have levelled off.
“Since January, we’ve seen a significant increase in new clients. The need is unfortunately going up.”
Westcott noted the increase in client needs often coincides with rising prices for gas and/or basic living expenses.
“People are so close to having just enough to having not enough,” Westcott said.
The evening raised over $7,000 and included a drop-off table of non-perishable food donations.
