Share the Bounty and RBC team up forCommunity Breakfast and Food Bank Drive

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

A community-focused partnership between RBC and local charitable organization Share the Bounty delivered a successful weekend breakfast event on March 15 at the Shelburne Legion, combining a free hot meal with a substantial food bank drive for those in need.

RBC sponsored the event, building on previous connections. The bank provided funding while volunteers came together to serve local residents facing food insecurity.

Pam Kelly, the event organizer, explained that this collaboration was born from a previous contact at RBC.

“Royal Bank essentially reached out and asked us to set up an event that they sponsored,” she said. “That came about from our Christmas dinner, because the manager had been to our Christmas dinner, and she was there with her two daughters and her mom to help out, actually. I just love the idea that we're giving back to the community and building connections.”

The event offered a free breakfast to anyone in need, with attendees also encouraged — but not required — to contribute non-perishable food items and essential goods for the local food bank.

“So, this event over the weekend, you could just come in, get a good meal if you need one, and then we're also collecting items to donate to the food bank,” Kelly said. “This is what Share the Bounty does. We run meal programs, and we also try to give back to the community, as well.”

In total, volunteers served 144 free breakfasts and ensured that all helpers were fed. The team included three RBC staff members, three representatives from the Shelburne Legion, Branch 220, and additional volunteers from Share the Bounty, reflecting a broad base of community support.

Kelly led by example during the event, donating items herself.

“I personally donated $320 worth of diapers to the food bank,” she said. “The food bank is always crying out for diapers in the larger sizes, so I took it upon myself to purchase some for them.”

In addition to the many donated items, organizers also collected $600 in cash, which will be reinvested directly into the community.

Share the Bounty also runs two regular meal programs each month at Westminster Church in Orangeville and frequently responds to emergency requests with improvised food baskets. The organization focuses on providing healthy, freshly prepared meals rather than relying solely on processed options.

The menu changes by event, ranging from hearty dishes like beef stew to mac and cheese, made possible by access to a commercial kitchen.

Organizers say they are eager to collaborate with more community groups and partners who are interested in expanding their support networks.