Volunteers make Pelham food drive another success
More than 200 volunteers were working diligently Saturday to collect and sort goods during the annual Pelham Cares Food Drive.
Volunteers travelled about 30 routes in Fonthill and Fenwick to collect packages residents had placed at outside their homes to be picked up. The non-perishable food and hygiene items will not only support 53 families in Pelham throughout the coming year, but also Welland’s Open Arms Mission and Hope Centre.
Beth Cotter, the organization’s receptionist, said food collected that is close to bestbefore dates will be given to the two Welland organizations. She said they serve more people each week and can use the food before expiration.
Each family supported by Pelham Cares can include one to seven people.
Although the organization doesn’t weigh the goods they receive, Cotter said all the shelves will be filled. She said this year seems to be more successful than last year.
“The food drive provides almost everything people need when they visit us,” Cotter said.
As for the volunteers, Cotter said they enjoy giving their time each year and most people have been volunteering for several years. What makes the food drive special for Cotter is seeing how everyone “loves” being there.
“They were all eager today … It’s a friendly group,” she said.
Linda Roach has been volunteering with the food drive for seven years. Although she technically lives in Thorold, she said she spends most of her time in Pelham because she’s right on the border.
“It’s a great organization and all the people here are great to work with …People choose to help because they feel that they’re really accomplishing something,” Roach said.
For Roach, who is a member of the Fonthill Lioness Club, giving back is part of who she is. Roach said she feels everyone who assists during the food drive has a desire to give back to the community any way they can.
A group of Fonthill boy scouts aged five to 14 also gave their time Saturday morning. Kent Ratcliffe, from the 3rd Fonthill troop, said they have been participating in the food drive for four years. The event is just another way the scouts can give back to the community and show support.