2nd Annual Leamington Food Drive

On Wednesday December 12^th the 2^nd Annual Leamington office food drive came to a close with nearly 4000 items donated.  Contributions of non-perishable food items, clothing and toys were donated by members of the Union, the community and over 30 businesses from across the province.

The proceeds of the drive will support three local charities this holiday season. The Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario, the Downtown Mission of Windsor and the Bridge Youth Resource Centre of Leamington who will all benefit from this fundraising initiative.

UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Regional Director Angela Mattioli credits Helene Caine, the Leamington office administrator for the success of the event. “Helene has worked very hard to make sure the food drive would succeed; she’s has gone over and above.  Her leadership on this event has made it a success, the community will benefit greatly because of her efforts. President Haggerty and Secretary-Treasurer Tosato have made community activism an important focus of the Local Union, and we’re seeing that here in this event.”

“It’s a been a great success” said Helene who has coordinated the food drive event for the past two years.  “Last year we had a goal and we exceeded it with over 3000 items donated.  This year we’re close to 4000 items. The support from the businesses, the community and the union members across Ontario has been phenomenal!”

Donation boxes were set up in numerous businesses where donations could be dropped off by members of the community. Boxes were set up at:

• Anna’s Flowers in Kingsville (offered a 10.00 gift certificate to any member who donated)
• Cavendish Appetizers Wheatley (donated a $100.00 grocery gift card)
• Dr. Rob McCormick Eye Care Leamington/Kingsville
• Food Basics Leamington
• Highbury Canco Leamington
• Kennedy’s Cleaners in Leamington
• Leamington GM Dealership
• Milo-Fais Wheatley (also donated $100.00 gas card)
• RBC in Leamington
• Real Canadian Superstore Leamington
• UFCW Leamington Office

Anyone who donated 10 or more items was entered into a draw, and we are happy to report the following winners:

Also on hand to help out that day were the chief stewards from Highbury Canco and Cavendish Appetizers Scott Jackson and Jose E. Rebelo to assist with handing out prizes.

Presentations of the donations were made to the various agencies at the Union’s office which is pictured below. As well, a member of UFCW Local 175 who recently suffered losses in a house fire was presented with a special donation to assist her and her family.

To everyone who contributed in any way, big or small, we want to thank you for your generosity. You have made a significant difference to the lives of many this holiday season.

Donation recipients:

The Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario https://www.rmhc-swo.ca/

The Downtown Mission of Windsor https://www.downtownmission.com/ 

The Bridge Youth Resource Centre https://thebridgeyouth.ca/

Read about last years event here https://ufcw175.com/2017/12/22/first-holiday-food-drive-leamington/