Dear Editor:
The current virus situation has had a great impact on the world and Fergus/Elora is no exception. The annual CW Food Bank drive has had to cancel the usual means of collecting food, cash, and toys, etc. for their Christmas Drive.
They have implemented other methods, but because of storage and staging problems they have cancelled the usual method the Lions Club and their partners, Reliable Ford, have used over the past 20-plus years.
In order to continue to assist the food bank again this year, we have decided to offer the showroom of Reliable Ford as a collection area to gather gift cards or certificates which will be distributed to needy families in time for Christmas. We will accept all gift cards, and cash donations at this location until Dec. 2, at which time the proceeds will be given to the food bank for distribution.
There will be no formal kickoff for this other than the drive will commence Nov. 16 and donations will be accepted until Dec. 2. This does not allow a lot of time but the food bank requires time to distribute the cards and still allow the families time to use them to purchase the gifts. The cards can be purchased at most stores dealing with food, clothing, toys, supplies, etc. They can be dropped at Reliable Ford but each card must have the original cash receipt attached to the gift card so the food bank can distribute them accordingly. This stipulation is a must, so please do not forget.
The Fergus Lions Club and Reliable Ford support this drive and the club will kick the drive off with a $2,000 donation. We hope that next year we can resume our normal procedures but until then, we are counting on the generous support from the community, no different than you have done for over 20 years. Elora residents who may have trouble getting to Reliable Ford can drop the donation at 124 John St. in Elora and they will be delivered to Reliable Ford.
The Fergus Lions Club and Reliable Ford, thank everyone for their consideration and wish you all an early Merry Christmas.
Gary Waterhouse,
Fergus Lions Club Toy Drive Chairman