A local citizen is asking council to come up with a way for the township to make a collective contribution to locally-based Reapers of Hope.
In operation in Moorefield since April of 2013, Reapers of Hope is an arm of Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) of Waterloo.
The operation is set up to dehydrate surplus produce and convert it to dried soup mix for shipment abroad to feed those in need around the world.
At the April 8 council meeting, Drayton resident Ab Hesselink asked if the municipality would consider foregoing the water and sewer charges for the facility.
“This would be a means of having the total community supporting this good work,” said Hesselink.
“It would also be a means for the municipality to reciprocate for (Reapers of Hope) making their facilities available to the municipality to park some of the trucks and machinery in after the municipal works garage fire.”
Reapers of Hope relies entirely on volunteer labour and Hesselink said he has had an opportunity to be one of nearly 2,400 volunteers who have contributed more than 16,000 hours to the operation.
“It is a very rewarding and humbling experience. My observations over the last number of months have been that this facility and the organization does very good work, and reminds us of how fortunate we all are living in this land of plenty … with a little effort and organization they make a huge difference,” said Hesselink.
In his presentation to council, he noted the organization has shipped 51,324 pounds of soup mix, enough for nearly 1.7 million meals since setting up shop in Moorefield.
Hesselink said he feels foregoing the sewer and water charges of about $60 a month “would be a good way for the whole municipality to participate.”
Councillor Andy Knetsch was firmly behind the proposal.
“It’s a no-brainer in my opinion. I support this,” he stated.
Councillor Jim Curry told Hesselink, “I certainly support what you’re trying to do.”
However, he pointed out that since water and sewer charges are area-rated, only Moorefield property owners would be contributing through a waiver of the charges.
“I’m sure there would be a way around that,” replied Hesselink.
Mayor Bruce Whale suggested a flat donation might be a way to share the contribution across the entire tax base.
“I think there’s got to be some way we can make this happen,” said councillor Neil Driscoll.
Council requested a staff report be prepared to provide them with information and options.
