Madawaska Valley Food Bank is looking for help to ensure its clients don’t go hungry this winter. Food Bank volunteers told The Current about the generosity of Valley residents in the past and what initiatives are planned for the next several weeks.
One of these events has already taken place: the Madawaska Valley Horticultural Society has held its annual potluck dinner to which Society members were invited to bring donations of non-perishable food items. This time the gardeners donated fourteen grocery bags of food and a record $405 in cash. Shown above is Terry Newcombe with some of the items donated at this year’s potluck dinner on November 15. (Photo Nola Leroux) Tish Whitfield of MV Food Bank said,
This record donation is much appreciated and is very timely, coming just before Christmas, our busiest time of the year. This kind of support from the community is what allows us to help so many people in need.
Norine Helferty (left) with Tish Whitfield (Photo submitted)
Norine Helferty presented $442 to Tish Whitfield, President of the MV Food Bank, from the Combermere Bridge Club, which has just disbanded. Norine and her sister Rita Murray had originally started the club.
Valley residents shopping at Barry’s Bay Metro will soon see its annual in-store holiday campaign. This has been a long-running success, selling pre-packed bags of non-perishables for people to place into the MV Food Bank donation bin at the north entrance to the store. It’s an easy and convenient way for shoppers to make a difference.
Moose FM will host its fourth annual Radiothon on December 6. In just a few years this has become the major fundraiser for MV Food Bank, bringing in several thousand dollars annually. Food Bank volunteer Terry Newcombe said,
It’s our best opportunity to educate all the people and businesses in our community about what we do, where we do it, how we do it, and why it is so helpful to the overall health of where we all choose to live. We do this through the interviews that Moose FM has with us throughout the event, so needless to say big kudos go out to Moose FM for all their assistance.
Last year was MV Food Bank’s best radiothon thanks to some major donations from Tim Horton’s, the local Lions Clubs, the United Steelworkers Union at Pastway, and an anonymous donor.
Newcombe said another way Moose FM helps with the radiothon is by offering one-hour sponsorships to local businesses throughout the radiothon for just $250. This means you can get your business advertised twice on-air, and Moose FM donates all the proceeds right back to the MV Food Bank. To sign up for a sponsorship, please call Terry Newcombe at 613-756-3344.
Even while you are busy eating, shopping or listening, Valley residents can help the Madawaska Valley Food Bank. For more information about the Food Bank, click HERE to visit their Facebook page.