HomeMy Public PortalAbout2017-12-04_MR_Food Drive
MEDIA RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – For the last two years, the Municipality of Chester has
collected non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Lighthouse Food Bank
through their “totally awesome and super fantastic holiday food drive”.
Well this year, Forest Heights Community School decided to take it up a notch…
Student Government approached Council with a grant request to fund the costs of
items the group would need to “top up” a drive for food, warm clothing and toys. Along
with the grant request, the students appealed to Council for help with their
coordinating efforts.
“When Council heard the students’ requests, we wanted to help with more than just
money,” says Warden Allen Webber. “This group of students has the motivation and
the heart to pull off an event like this; and we have the resources to help them. Bringing
awareness to a local issue that shouldn’t even exist is necessary to ending it. We have
a responsibility, not as Council, but as human beings.”
Jenna Wilson, President of Student Government describes how she became involved,
“We wanted to give back to our community this Christmas, so we decided to try and
gather as many needed items as we could to help make Christmas less stressful and
more enjoyable for everybody!” She also says, “We particularly wanted to ensure that
everyone had at least one thing under the Christmas tree this year, and wanted to
ensure that no child went without the necessary winter clothing. It a great opportunity
for everyone to give back to our community.”
The two organizations will work together to not only collect food, but also new and
gently used toys and warm winter clothing. Items will be delivered to the Lighthouse
Food Bank, Hubbards Food Bank, and other existing organizations for distribution.
Suggested families can also receive items directly.
Food insecurity affects more than 23,000 Nova Scotians, and is increasing. Job loss,
relationship breakdowns, increasing cost of living – all of these things can be factors.
DATE: December 6, 2017
SUBJECT: MUNICIPALITY AND FOREST HEIGHTS
PARTNER IN HOLIDAY EVENT
STATUS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 Media Release
While many don’t have to choose between paying bills or buying food, it is a reality for
some.
If you or someone you know can afford to give or have items to donate, please drop
them off at any of these locations in the Municipality of Chester:
• Municipal Office, Chester
• Forest Heights Community School, Chester Basin
• Chester Area Middle School
• Chester District Elementary School
• New Ross Consolidated School
• New Ross Home Hardware
• Aspotogan Consolidated Elementary School
• Aspotogan Heritage Trust, Hubbards
• Spidle’s Independent Grocer, Chester
If you are unable to get to any of these locations, students will pick up your items on
Saturday, December 16. Text 902-277-1169 or email communications@chester.ca to
register for pickup by December 15 or to suggest a family who needs a helping hand
this holiday season.
If you want to donate, but are having trouble knowing what to give, contact your local
food bank for food suggestions. Other items include new or gently used toys and books
for any age or gender; winter jackets, scarves, mittens, hats and boots; and warm socks.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Allen Webber, Warden
Desk 902-275-3555 ext. 1008
Cell 902-275-8373
awebber@chester.ca