Primrose Schools’ Me to We food drive for Halloween a big success

November 15, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By Wendy Gabrek

Members of the ‘Me to WE’ club at Primrose Elementary School in Mulmur collected more than 500 non-perishable food items for Shelburne’s Shepherds Cupboard food bank over a two-week period.

The project, part of the ‘WE Scare Hunger’ Halloween food drive, ran in partnership with Trillium Ford of Shelburne. The food drive, organized by members of the school’s social justice club, utilized ‘Box Monsters’ to encourage students from kindergarten to Grade 8 to donate, by feeding the cardboard monster of their choice between October 22 and November 2.

“We do it because we care about our community,” said Primrose student, Faith, on why she became involved with the food drive. “We want everyone to live happily where they are, and get help when they need it.”

“So many people in our community, and people that we know, use the food bank,” added another student, Jennifer.

The Shelburne Food Bank is located in the Dufferin Oaks building with a permanent room in the basement, and during the holidays an overflow room as well.

The food bank has been in existence for more than 10 years, and currently helps 70 families monthly – with more in need coming forward during the holiday season.

The space at Dufferin Oaks has been donated to the food bank, something that volunteer Beth Brown says helps the not-for-profit organization to continue operations, and meet the increasing demand.

“Shelving was provided by Bill at Shelburne Home Hardware, and John at No Frills,” said Brown. “We needed to make better use of the space we were given, so we built up.”

“We appreciate what everybody does for us,” said Brown on the local business community, schools and private residents. “If we ever need anything we go to them, and then it just seems to appear.”

The food bank is constantly in need of proteins such as peanut butter, and canned tuna, ham, and salmon. They also need school snacks, and canned fruit and vegetables.

“We also need toiletries and baby supplies,” Brown confirmed. “But cash is always appreciated, so we can buy the specific brands babies need.”

The Shelburne Food Bank is open Wednesday from noon until 1:30 p.m. and on Friday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. For more information, to donate, or to apply for assistance, call the Town of Shelburne at 519 925-2600 ext. 350.