Monthly Message: It’s a time to be thankful at the Shelburne Food Bank

October 2, 2025 · 0 Comments

Thanksgiving is a time when many people are focused on abundance and family gatherings, but it’s also when the need at the Shelburne Food Bank is especially high.

Many families struggle to put food on the table year-round, and holidays can amplify that hardship. As we gather in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this day means – especially for those who turn to food banks during times of need.

For many, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It’s a reminder of what truly matters – community, compassion, and the simple comfort of a shared meal. For food bank users, it’s a chance to experience a moment of dignity, warmth, and belonging, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

This day is not just about the food on the table year-round – it’s about knowing that their community cares. It’s about being seen. Being supported. And knowing you’re not alone in your struggle.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and everyone who makes this work possible. Families who may have been struggling can still gather, give thanks, and feel the joy that comes from kindness and connection.

So, on behalf of all those who benefit from your generosity – thank you! You make Thanksgiving not just a day on the calendar but a real, meaningful experience of hope, gratitude, and renewed strength. Thanksgiving becomes a symbol of kindness and the power of community. Of neighbours helping neighbours.

Thank you to those who have donated turkeys so far to the food bank – TransAlta, Caravaggios IDA Pharmacy, Shelburne Family Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, Adam Clost, Jeff & Isabel Holmes, and SGR Plumbing & Heating. We are beyond thankful for your donations!

There is still time for other individuals or businesses to assist by providing turkeys this year!

Thank you to the stores in our community that we buy from and do food rescue with – Jimmy & Stef’s No Frills, Shelburne Foodland, Starbucks, Giant Tiger, Mary Brown’s Chicken, and Cobs Bread (Orangeville). We greatly appreciate what you do weekly so that food goes to those who need it.

Thank you to Downey Potatoes for donating potatoes to be given out for Thanksgiving – and to Rutledge and Tupling potatoes for your donations of potatoes this year. A staple every family enjoys.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Shelburne and the Shelburne Lions Club for their ongoing support of the food bank. The Rotary Club organizes the town food drive happening on Oct. 11 with CDDHS, Pumpkinfest, the Nutcracker Gala, and many other initiatives that bring in donations.

The Lions Club held several Classic Car/Truck shows this summer/fall, all in aid of the food bank, and Rotary spearheaded the Smoked Turkey Dinner fundraiser to be held this Friday (Oct. 3) evening at the Legion. We would be lost without these great partnerships.

Thank you to The Little Family, who have presented Haunt in the Park for manyyears. They have created this Halloween event in support of the food bank. It’s happening again this year, and we are beyond grateful for their ongoing support.

Thank you to the many sports teams, clubs, and schools that spearhead food drives and bring the resulting donations down to the Shelburne Food Bank.

Thank you to Wayne Hannon, Brad Reid, and the Shelburne Horticultural Society, who grew beautiful, weekly fresh produce for us to give out. Harvested in the fierce sun or pouring rain, weekly it came!

Thank you to Compass Community Church, Trinity Primrose United Church, Bethel Bible Chapel, and the Shelburne Revelation Center for partnering with us to bring in donations and keeping our needs before your congregations.

And thank you to the people of Shelburne, Melancthon, Mulmur, North Amaranth, and North Monofor responding to our needs, donating to the bins at the stores, bringing donations in for birthdays and other celebrations, and being so generous!

It’s unfortunate that the food bank has to do so much fundraising, as it is time-consuming, takes a lot of work and volunteers, and feels like a constant consuming theme. Being completely volunteer-run and led, a lot falls on the volunteers to be the critical service that we are.

Many people think food banks are government-funded – they are not. So it really is neighbours caring for their neighbours, and we are grateful you are so caring!

We encourage everyone this Thanksgiving to do what you can to help, in whatever way you can. Every little bit helps, every little bit matters. And please be assured – WE ARE THANKFUL!

On behalf of all the food bank volunteers, we wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!