Donations pour in for Kincardine Food Bank

The Kincardine Food Bank welcomed a number of donations over the past few weeks.

No Frills in Kincardine presented a cheque for $419.05, proceeds from a campaign at the till.

Areva presented $1,650, along with 1,500 pounds of food, collected during a campaign held from June 8-25.

Larry Robinson, vice-president of the Areva regional office, said people aren't hungry just at Christmas time. "Companies should be helping out all year-round, and I would challenge all other companies to do what they can to assist the food bank."

Robinson and his wife, Debbie, celebrated their wedding anniversary July 11, with a backyard party, accepting donations to the food bank at that event as well.

Meanwhile, the Kincardine Knights of Columbus held a diaper drive at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Mother's Day and brought a trailer full of donations to the food bank. They did a second collection on Father's Day and plan a third one on Grandparents' Day Sept. 13.

Nancy Dawson, co-ordinator of the food bank, said these donations will help get the food bank through the summer.

Pat Stewart, also a food bank co-ordinator, said there has been a slight reduction in the use of the facility, with 72 visits in May compared to 104 in April, 90 in March, 100 in February and 120 in January.

The total number of people using the food bank was 1,231 to the end of May, compared to 1,183 in 2014. However, in May of 2014, there were 11 new people and 108 visits; whereas, this year, there were zero new people and only 72 visits.

"It could be that people have seasonal work or they have moved away," said Stewart. "We continue to appreciate financial donations and food donations. We have just restocked the basics, but could use coffee and juice."