Neighbourhood efforts support food bank

Matt Cole, a consultant with Investors Group and his team of volunteers, set out on his second annual neighborhood food drive in the north end of Fergus known as Gordon-North to benefit the Centre Wellington Food Bank on Feb. 11.

Last year, the residents of “Gordon-North” showed their generosity by donating over $2,000 worth of groceries. This year, they surpassed that by accumulating 1,142 pounds of donated  food and household items.  According to food bank manager Fred Aleksandrowicz, February is one of slowest months for donations, with an average of $31,000 per month being used to support the surrounding community. Almost 10% of the Fergus population alone will need to utilize the food bank at least once this year.

Cole and his team were amazed how many people had their donations ready, and even waiting on the front step if they were unable to be home.

“The response was truly heart-warming,” Cole said.