For about a month, members of the Collingwood Curling Club have been adding a little extra onto their bar tab for an annual fundraising campaign in support of Collingwood's food banks.
The tally of the cash and cheques donated this year totals $6,078, which was split between the Salvation Army food bank and St. Vincent de Paul. The club members have been donating cash in this way since 2018.
Club president George Rutherford said it's become "part of the fabric of the club."
Captain Rob Hardy, the pastor at Salvation Army, and Irene Taylor, one of the volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul foodbank, said the donation is greatly appreciated and much-needed.
Taylor said use of the St. Vincent food bank has increased this year. Hardy said the Salvation Army is in contact with, and helping 280 families this month, including one senior who spent her life working as a teacher.
"It's 'needy season,'" said Hardy. "But food is needed all year-around. Today, with inflation, we're seeing everyday, working families in need. We don't ask them about their life. We just want them to be able to eat. Anyone who comes to our door for toys or food, receives them."
St. Vincent de Paul foodbank opens at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Salvation Army is open Tuesday through Thursday, but next week will only be open for emergencies. You can access help at Salvation Army by calling 705-445-9222. You can access help from St. Vincent de Paul foodbank by calling the helpline at 705-444-0999.
