Essex Region Goodfellow’s annual newspaper campaign to support four local food banks

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue and several volunteers manned posts throughout the Town of Essex last Friday and Saturday – including at local storefronts and at busy intersections – collecting donations as part of the Essex Region Goodfellows’ annual Newspaper Campaign.

Members of the Essex Region Goodfellows will tally the donations collected and present the proceeds to support the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the St. Vincent de Paul Chapters of Harrow and McGregor this week.

  Every year, the four local food banks depend on this funding ahead of the Christmas season, which allows them to support area families and individuals facing economic hardships over the holidays.

Thanks to the dedication of the local Firefighters and volunteers – and generosity of the community – the Essex Region Goodfellows was able to present $20,000 to each of the four food banks for the past two-years through the annual Newspaper and Corporate Donation Campaigns. It is hoped they are able to raise that much again this year.

  Demand on food banks in the province is increasing. According to the Feed Ontario 2004 Hunger Report, over 1M unique individuals accessed Ontario food banks in 2023-2024, which was a 25% increase over the previous year. That also accounts for an 86% increase since 2019-2020.

For those looking to further support those in need this holiday season, the Essex Region Goodfellows will be the beneficiary of the Knights of Columbus fish fry at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church on November 28, from 4:30-7pm.