FILLING GAPS FOR THE NEEDY
Goodfellows stepping up to help the hungry during COVID-19 pandemic
Goodfellows help during pandemic
With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, more and more residents are in need of assistance after being unemployed or laid off while a vast array of business and manufacturing shutdowns continue.
The Windsor Goodfellows issued a reminder this week that it remains one agency striving to pitch in and help out those in need.
Goodfellows is primarily known for providing assistance during Christmas holidays, but has a core team in place throughout the year that helps support a year-round food bank, breakfast program in 27 schools and children’s footwear program, while also aiding other local charities and food banks throughout the city.
“The bottom line is there are still a lot of people who think we are here only to help at Christmas,” said Art Reid, president of the Goodfellows. “We want people to know that in the middle of this virus we have been working diligently since this started and we are going to keep going to help the poor the best we can.”
There is a core group of about eight volunteers who have continued to assemble food boxes and other items such as clothing and shoes for those in need.
To remain safe during the pandemic, the volunteers are wearing masks and protective equipment indoors, while those in need of food or goods line up and are served outside the agency’s centre located at the corner of Park Street West and Church Street.
Goodfellows is handing out food and other items two days a week — Tuesdays and Fridays, between the hours of 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“Our numbers are up and down,” Reid said. “There are days we are over the 100 mark. But we are assuming it’s just going to start to get more and more as people run out of unemployment (benefits) and money.
“There are eight of us here. We stick with the same group, wearing masks, washing hands and not had any problems so far.”
The group hands out food boxes that include a number of staples, plus fresh items such as chicken, milk or eggs. Goodfellows also provides personal care products for those in need that includes soap, toothpaste or deodorant.
“We consider ourselves an essential employee,” Reid said. “It’s important to let the public know if they need us to come down and we will do everything we can to help you. We are open 52 weeks a year.”
For more information, call Goodfellows at 519-252-2739.