A successful event at an Orillia business has given The Sharing Place Food Centre a boost as it prepares for the busy holiday season.
Home Hardware held a Ladies Night on Tuesday. More than 500 people attended, each bringing donations of food for The Sharing Place. In total, 4,374 pounds of food was collected. Home Hardware followed that up with a $5,000 donation.
“That’s huge as we’re in the midst of organizing our holiday hampers,” said Sharing Place executive director Chris Peacock.
Staff from BDO volunteered to help sort the food Wednesday.
The donations came at the right time, Peacock said.
“We are in a position that we’ve never been in before where we’re seeing more people than ever visiting The Sharing Place. I was wondering how we’d be able to afford what we need. When we have an event like this, it really helps,” he said. “It’s a testament to the community, and Home Hardware is unbelievable. They’re consistently looking at ways to support our community.”
More donations are needed to help The Sharing Place meet the needs of its clients. It is asking that donations of food for its holiday hampers be dropped off by Dec. 1. Those wanting to receive a hamper are asked to register at The Sharing Place, at 95 Dufferin St.
Businesses and organizations are also encouraged to host healthy holiday food drives for The Sharing Place.
For more information, visit sharingplaceorillia.org, call 705-327-4273 or email [email protected].
Items needed for holiday hampers
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Oatmeal
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Pancake mix
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Pancake syrup
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Canned green beans
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Canned peas
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Stuffing
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Cranberry sauce
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Gravy
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Cake mix and icing
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Cookies
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Boxes of chocolates
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Large reusable bags
Most needed items for The Sharing Place’s regular services
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Pasta sauce
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Canned tomatoes
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Peanut butter
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Canned meat (ham, chicken) and fish (salmon, tuna)
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Whole grain, low sugar cereal. (Cheerios, Corn Flakes, low-sugar granola)
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Coffee (instant and ground)
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Diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6
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Financial donations (used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables)
