The excitement around a snow day likely had many people happy to be home last Friday, but for the Community Resource Centre, it meant cancelling Chilifest, the most important fundraiser in the group’s calendar year.
“In 16 years of our Chilifest event, this is the first time it has had to be cancelled,” executive director Ron MacKinnon said on Feb. 8.
It is a significant blow to the group’s fundraising efforts.
“We were anticipating to be receiving about $10,000 … between the chili and all the prizes the community has so generously donated,” said MacKinnon. “We will have to dip into our reserves.”
He noted the organization has a fund set up for situations where fundraising goals are not met. Given March is the group’s year end, there is no alternative to recoup the funds quickly.
But, MacKinnon stressed, “There will be no discontinuation of the resources we provide. There will be no disruption of service.”
The chili fundraiser, to have been held at the Fergus Legion, serves hundreds of community members on site and also offers a delivery option to homes and businesses in the community.
For $10, diners could enjoy a bowl of chili, coleslaw, a roll, beverage and a dessert option. For those dining at the Legion, the event was also to include raffle tickets, a “twoonie table,” a silent auction featuring donations from local businesses, and draws for a Rick Mercer Show and an iPad.
“We will work out something with these prizes,” said MacKinnon, who confirmed plans are already underway to utilize the generous donations.
“We are planning a ‘non-chili Chilifest,’ on March 1 at 11:30am at the Fergus Legion with refreshments and prizes, but with admission by donation only,” said MacKinnon.
Staff began making cancellation calls to those groups with delivery orders early on Feb. 8, when the weather led to school closures and event cancellations across Wellington County.
“Today we’re just trying to cancel the volunteers to stop them from getting out on the road,” said MacKinnon.
Turning a difficult situation into a positive, the staff decided to donate the two large batches of already-prepared chili to local groups that support those in need.
“Our chili is prepared with no preservatives. We couldn’t hold off the event and distribute the chili tomorrow. We want to be sure it is safe and fresh for people to consume,” MacKinnon said.
He confirmed one batch was to be delivered to the Centre Wellington Food Bank, which has the facilities to freeze and distribute the chili to clients.
MacKinnon added, “The rest of the chili will go to other charity groups in the area who can do the same and get it to people quickly.”
Despite being disappointed for staff, volunteers and community supporters, MacKinnon said he is confident the decision was the right one.
“At the end of the day, nobody has to drive and nobody gets hurt,” he said of the dangerous driving conditions. That’s the life of a not-for-profit. If we have to make-up the event somehow we definitely will.”
