Goodfellows collect donations to support four local food banks this Christmas

by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative

photos submitted

Though this year’s Essex Region Goodfellows newspaper campaign donations are still being counted by volunteers, Chairperson Richard Meloche said it was evident residents were generous this year. 

  Support for this year’s campaign was so great, that volunteers ran out of the newspapers, Meloche said.

  He is hoping the donations raised in this year’s campaign will go a long way in helping the Essex Area Food Bank, the Essex Salvation Army, and the St. Vincent de Paul Chapters in Harrow and McGregor support local families and individuals facing economic hardships this holiday season.

  On Friday and Saturday morning, members of the Essex Region Goodfellows, in addition to an array of volunteers and Knights of Columbus members, spread out across the municipality to collect donations in exchange for a 2023 edition of the Essex Region Goodfellows newspaper.

  In addition, Firefighters with Essex Fire & Rescue manned busy intersections throughout the Town of Essex to help raise as many dollars for this year’s campaign as possible.

  This year’s campaign also garnered a lot of interest through corporate donations, Meloche noted.

  A check will be presented to each of the four local food distribution organizations this week, once a final tally is totalled. 

  “They need it, he said.”

  The food banks used the funds to help fund their Christmas campaigns, often helping to purchase food for holiday meals and other necessities for their clients in need.

  In talking with local food bank representatives, Meloche said they were sure they were going to be stressed through the COVID pandemic with need. It wasn’t until about the last six-months to a year ago, however, were demand on the local food banks was noticed. Meloche relayed that many using the local food banks are seniors.

  He noted that through last year’s newspaper campaign, and in conjunction with the corporate donations, the Essex Region Goodfellows were able to present each of the four food banks $15,000 ahead of the holiday season. Further, in June, the Essex Region Goodfellows were able to provide an additional donation of $6,000 to each of the four food banks as corporate donations continue to roll in after Christmas, with news of what the organization was doing continuing to create awareness.

  He hopes this year’s campaign will be just as successful.

  Those who missed the campaign, but would like to contribute, can reach out to Meloche via social media or call 226-724-2121 to make a donation.

  In addition, the Essex Region Goodfellows is hosting its fourth annual 50/50 draw. 2,000 tickets have been printed, meaning if all tickets are sold, the winner could take home potentially $10,000.

Every year, when a winner is drawn, Meloche said they are blown away to win that amount of money, especially coming out of the holiday season. This year’s winning ticket will be drawn on December 31st.

  Those interested can reach out to him.

  In addition, the Knights of Columbus (3305) will host a fish fry on November 24, from 4:30 to 7pm, at Holy Name of Jesus Church. The proceeds from that event will also support the Essex Region Goodfellows in assisting families this holiday season.

  Meloche hopes to see a great turnout at that event.