Nearly 3,000 pounds of non-perishables collected at local food drive

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Shelburne residents have helped collect a bounty of food supplies for those living in the community who are experiencing food insecurity. 

Share the Bounty, a non-profit organization, hosted two food donation events in Shelburne on Saturday (Nov. 16). Volunteers from the charity were joined by Cadets from the 164 Shelburne Air Squadron outside of No Frills and Foodland as they collected donated food items from shoppers. 

“We have done this [collection] quite a few times this year and doing it has been quite a great experience. We're letting people known there's a lot of need here in Shelburne and for the Food Bank, so hopefully we can continue to help more people who are so much in need,” said Benny Thannikkotu, president of Share the Bounty.

Share the Bounty is a non-profit charity serving Brampton, Caledon and Dufferin County that looks to help feed those facing food insecurity. 

The organization partners with local businesses such as grocery stores, farms, and restaurants to collect excess food supplies to create healthy meals and collect donations from community members to support food banks. 

Through the one-day collection, Share the Bounty was able to raise nearly $700 and collect close to 3,000 pounds of food, which will go back to the community through Shepherd's Cupboard Food Bank. 

“We got a humongous haul from the food donations and we're so grateful for the people of Shelburne and surrounding areas, who are so eager to give. It goes such a long way for our food bank,” said Pam Kelly, volunteer coordinator at Shepherd's Cupboard. “Share the Bounty is all about raising awareness and getting the food to the people who need it. Every time we've done an event here, it's been an amazing response and that's indicative of the people.” 

Share the Bounty will be hosting two more fundraising events in Shelburne before the end of the year. The next events will be a toy drive called “Giving Tuesdays” on Dec. 3 outside of Giant Tiger, followed by a free Christmas Dinner for the community on Dec. 25 organized by the charity. 

Those interested in learning more about Share the Bounty and their future events can visit www.sharethebounty.info.