Despite needing to be rescheduled due to the snow in December, the holiday spirit was still in the air last night (March 24) during the door-to-door food drive for the Salvation Army South Muskoka Ministries food bank.
Not only was the snow falling, but dozens of volunteers also came out to help collect food, organize the donations and of course everyone who donated.
In fact, Brandon Keeping, Lieutenant and Community Ministries Officer and Pastor for the Salvation Army South Muskoka, said about 75 volunteers were out, with even more at the church.
Amongst all the volunteers was the Mayor of Bracebridge, Rick Maloney.
“Salvation Army Bracebridge does a wonderful job in providing for folks with the food bank and the efforts that they do,” said Maloney. “My opportunity to join them tonight is just a little bit of a way to give back and join them in the fun of collecting food tonight.”
Brandon said there are many reasons why the food drive is important, firstly being all the resources they receive in donations. Last year alone, they collected 11,700 pounds of food. He adds between Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, they spend almost $5,000 a month to purchase food and when they receive food donations, they are able to allocate that money for other necessities.
Community engagement is another important factor, with him adding programs like this one build community and every year there’s a new generation of children who help out and learn what it means to care for others.
Brandon’s son, Harrison, is in the fifth grade and was one of the volunteers collecting food door-to-door.
“My favorite thing is seeing how the community comes together to all do one thing at a time,” he shared. “I think it’s really impactful for the community, and it would help a lot for other communities to start doing this.”
All donations are welcomed and appreciated, but Brandon says there are healthier food options they hope they can receive more of, among others.
“If you are in the marginalized group of people, you can’t always afford to go to the grocery store and buy those things,” he said. “So, if we can have ample supply of feminine hygiene products, children’s diapers and those things it’s a huge cost relief for families or single people who are already struggling.”
If you would like to know more about the Salvation Army South Muskoka Ministries food bank or learn how you can help, visit Home – South Muskoka Ministries
