Food banks would be ‘really hurting’ without drive donations
Without Welland’s annual food drive, shelves at Open Arms Mission would be bare.
Melissa Kirkpatrick, chief executive officer of the non-profit organization, one of three supported by the campaign, expressed gratitude Tuesday to everyone who donated.
“If it wasn’t for the food drive, we would really be hurting,” she said at the agency’s warehouse on Forks Road in Wainfleet.
When people come through Open Arms’ food bank on Fifth Street, they are given two weeks of groceries. As many as 700 individuals and families receive support from the organization.
Kirkpatrick said the 14,645 kilograms of food brought in by the food drive should last until April or May.
Once people end up finding jobs and are able to put meals on the table through their own hard work, it doesn’t take long for unfamiliar faces to arrive at the food bank, she said.
“It astonishes me that there’s always new people coming.”
The non-perishable items are more than just a means to fight hunger.
“This food works down the budget for these families, so they can live, have heat and put a roof over their head.”
Monique Finley, co-ordinator of the food drive, on Tuesday said a number had not been calculated when it comes to the weight of all donations, but factoring the amount known to be collected for Open Arms Mission it would result in a total of nearly 44,000 kilograms split between all three agencies.
The Hope Centre and Welland’s Salvation Army also benefit from the food drive.
If local residents left food out to be picked up on Saturday but it was missed, donations can be dropped off at Welland’s fire halls and the YMCA.
In Port Colborne, more than 13,000 kilograms of food was collected through the food drive hosted by the Lions Club.
Benefiting Port Cares, the event also saw $5,556 in donations come in for the food bank, which will go toward day-to-day operations.
“It’s about keeping the lights on and doors open,” said executive director Christine Clark Lafleur.
There are currently 1,276 registered clients on the list at Port Cares Reach Out Centre, which sees up to 700 visits a month.
On top of support received through the Ontario Association of Food Banks, the annual drive is an integral part of keeping lessfortunate residents nourished.
“It’s so impressive what this community does to support those in need,” she said.