Food banks and non-profit groups received a long awaited donation in Goderich this week.
Originally scheduled for December, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union donation to food banks and organizations took place at The Park House in Goderich.
Goderich OPSEU President Mitch Hutchison says the donation was something they thought was appropriate for this time of year.
“We decided that it was a good idea to put our money toward something beneficial for the community, and knowing that a lot of families are doing without food this year, we decided to donate to the local food banks in town," he says.
The donations totalling over $4,000 go to three local food banks, local legions, St. Vincent De Paul, Goderich Ice Crushers Ringette, and a group that is bringing a memorial to Goderich honouring Dutch Canadian soldiers who died in the second World War.
Hutchison says OPSEU wanted to do something to help those in need in the community.
“It’s getting harder and harder every year, but we thought it was time to let the people know who we are, and give back to the community, and feed some people that went without food this year," he says.
Lieutenant David Hickman, who runs the Goderich and Clinton Salvation Army food banks, says they really appreciate the help during winter months.
Hickman also says more and more families are in need of the services the food banks provide.
“The Salvation Army over the last four or five years, has seen a tremendous increase with families coming to access our food banks, and there are many people in our communities without an advocate," says Hickman.
Hickman says it’s almost beneficial that the donation, originally scheduled for December, had to be rescheduled due to weather, is coming in January, when things are typically tougher after Christmas.