West Niagara residents are sure to be taken care of this Thanksgiving with numerous support services being offered, and warm meals provided, by many of the charitable organizations in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious economic impacts. There is a greater demand this year for support, starting now, but also heading into the Christmas season.
Grimsby Benevolent Fund
The Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) located at 40 Elm Street, Grimsby, is currently providing Thanksgiving food hampers for anyone in need in Grimsby. Residents can still call to arrange a pickup by calling GBF.
Beyond Thanksgiving, the organization’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the community by providing compassionate support and material assistance. So GBF also runs a regular food bank from Tuesday to Friday every week during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It also offers support with regards to clothing, shelter and healthcare needs.
Soon Grimsby residents will also be able to reserve food hampers for Christmas. “We will be registering families and individuals for Christmas hampers in November,” said Stacy Elia, Executive Director of GBF.
“(We) are (also) encouraging online donations to support our local families this holiday season,” said Elia.
Individuals and businesses can donate online by visiting the GBF website. Anyone who would still like to reserve a food hamper for Thanksgiving can call 905-309-5664 ext. 22.
Pelham Cares
Pelham residents can pick up a Thanksgiving food hamper from Pelham Cares. Our “Thanksgiving hampers include a homemade pie baked from one of Pelham’s small businesses,” said Jennifer Dubé, Pelham Care’s Coordinator of Client Services.
The organization does not have a commercial kitchen on site to prepare fresh meals. Similar to GBF, they provide all the items needed to make a holiday meal at home.
Senior citizens, however, living in Pellham who are looking for a prepared meal can reserve a free dinner for delivery from the Royal Canadian Legion Talbot Trail of Fonthill.
For more information on the services provided by Pelham Cares visit their website.
Royal Canadian Legion Talbot Trail
This year, the Royal Canadian Legion Talbot Trail located at 141 Hwy 20 E in Fonthill, will deliver Thanksgiving meals to seniors and veterans on Saturday, Oct. 10.
With the warning of a second wave of COVID-19, the legion wants to ensure that more vulnerable parties remain safe at home. So meals for seniors and veterans will be provided for free and will be delivered to their door.
Anyone who would like to arrange a dinner can contact the legion at 905-892-6293 and leave a message.
West Lincoln Community Care
West Lincoln Community Care (WLCC) has distributed Thanksgiving food hampers already to many Lincoln residents this year. It also held three food drives as part of it’s holiday compaign.
“We (also) have a corporate challenge continuing until Thursday Oct. 15,” said Sharlene Volpatti, Client Services and Food Bank Manager for WLCC.
As part of the corporate challenge, West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma has challenged local businesses to donate food items to WLCC. It is a great team building project that also gives back to the community. For more information on the corporate challenge visit the WLCC Facebook Page.
Friday is also the final day to participate in The Great Pumpkin Giveway. Anyone who donates funds or a perishable food item to WLCC will receive a free pumpkin. Wayne Schilstra and his team from RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc., Brokerage will also match alll cash donations. People can donate on his page by visiting The Great Pumpkin Giveaway.
The Forty Pub in Grimsby
Also, don’t forget, The Forty Pub in downtown Grismby is offering free Thanksgiving meals, no questions asked. Thanksgiving dinner will be served on Monday Oct. 12 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more click here.