Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton is once again gearing up to help host the 11th annual Feast for Learning fundraising event in support of the Orillia & District Literacy Council (ODLC).
The customary home-style roast beef dinner will be available for pick up at the Moose Lodge on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. An online silent auction is also taking place in advance of the event starting on Sunday, Sep. 5.
“Literacy is a cause that doesn’t have a large profile in the community, so it’s important that we focus on supporting this local cause and issue,” said Stanton, who is not seeking re-election after announcing his retirement from politics earlier this year.
Stanton says people can learn a lot from working with tutors at the ODLC, and stressed the group needs community support in order to stay connected.
“The difference it can make for people in terms of finding employment and finding a way to be more financially independent is great, but sometimes it helps with things as simple as having the confidence to read to their kids,” Stanton explained.
“Some of these basic literacy steps allow for people to take the critical next steps in their lives.”
For some, education might have been something that was unattainable during their youth Stanton explains.
“They may have had illnesses, or their family had to pull them from school unexpectedly for some reason. Many people have been courageous enough to go back to school, but some are unable to,” he said.
“Not everybody can do that type of setting, so literacy organizations can fill that gap.”
Last year’s event used the same pick-up format - instead of a dine-in event - due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the social aspect being cancelled, the event raised nearly $5,000.
“It shows how caring our community is. Even in the pandemic businesses and organizations step up to offer items for the silent auction, and these are people who have been put through the wringer for the last 17 months," said Stanton.
"But they still support because they know the difference this cause makes for our community and also their customers,” Stanton said.
There is no fund-raising goal set for this year's event, but Stanton says every little bit helps.
“Everything we earn goes toward supporting ODLC, and even if it pays a few months rent for them, it’s a way to continue to make the difference and keep their organization strong,” he said.
To participate in the silent auction, buy $25 tickets for the feast, or to make a donation to the event, click here.
