CENTRE WELLINGTON – With the holiday season here or at least approaching, the Centre Wellington Food Bank is asking the community to think of those who might be struggling this season. The Food Bank has begun its Christmas programs with the goal of making sure everyone in the community can have a nice Christmas.
However, your help may be needed more than ever, as demand for the Food Bank services continues to climb. Executive Director and Manager of the food bank, Curt McQueen, says, there is a concerning trend regarding residents requiring assistance.
To kick things off is the “Home the Gnome” program. Businesses across the area have gnomes attached to boxes for residents to drop off gift cards.
McQueen says the switch to gift cards over physical gifts was originally made due to COVID but they have continued because of the response they received from families.
He says a broad range of gift cards work best.
The 120-130 families registered for the program is also higher than last year when the number hovered around 110. You can drop gift cards off at the gnome locations, including at The Grand 101, until December 2nd. McQueen says this gives them enough time to distribute them to families, which leaves them time to shop.
Gift cards for FreshCo are also being collected at the food bank so families can shop for the items they would like for Christmas. McQueen says this is in addition to their upcoming food drive.
Volunteers will also be collecting food during the Fergus and Elora Santa Claus parades.
