CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Food Bank is once again inviting the community to help make the holiday season a little brighter for local families through its annual Share the Care Holiday Initiative.
The campaign offers three meaningful ways to give, including sponsoring a local family through the Angel Program, donating gift cards through the Home the Gnome initiative, and donating directly to the food bank.
Curt McQueen, Executive Director and Manager of the Centre Wellington Food Bank, says the community’s support makes a big difference for local children and their families.
Through the Angel Program, McQueen says individuals and businesses can sponsor a local family by purchasing gift cards for stores requested by parents. The approach gives parents the choice and dignity of selecting the gifts that are right for their children.
Another way to get involved is through Home the Gnome. Community members can purchase gift cards and drop them off at participating local businesses, known as Gnome Homes, throughout Centre Wellington.
The gift cards are then distributed to local families, helping parents purchase gifts, treats, and experiences for their children.
McQueen says the donation period runs from November 2nd until December 7th.
The Gnome Home locations include:
- The Grand at 101
- Fergus Family Chiropractic
- Canadian Tire Fergus
- Hairapy with Emma
- M&M Meats
- Remedy RX
- Elora Physiotherapy
- Elora Co-Op Preschool
- Gorge Country Kitchen in Elora
- Barrow Family Chiropractic in Belwood
McQueen says some of the most requested gift cards include Walmart, Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, Brighten Up Toys, Magic Pebble Books, McDonald’s and Tim Hortons.
Families also appreciate gift cards for local restaurants and pizza places, Play with Clay, Sportsplex swimming passes, Cineplex, and bowling.
Those interested in sponsoring a family or taking part in Home the Gnome can register by emailing sharethecare@cwfoodbank.org.
The food bank says every donation helps bring a little more choice, joy, and normalcy to the holidays for local families.
For more information on the program, visit https://www.cwfoodbank.org/share-the-care
