The Knights’ of Columbus food bank has been operating for more than 30 years. The operation started in the basement of Holy Cross church and we are still there. Vincent Morin whom many of you will remember, was instrumental in the operation of our food bank for many years.
Our food bank is non-denominational, anyone can apply to receive assistance. The main contact currently is Dave Habberjam. He can be reached (613) 258-3683.
Our food bank operates with funds received from the community during our annual fund raising activities, the parishioners of Holy Cross, the Grenville Federation of Agriculture, North Grenville Community Service Council and private donations. We are also fortunate to receive assistance from Holy Cross School, St. Michael’s high school, Ecole elementaire publique Riviere-Rideau and Academie catholique Notre Dame for food and gifts.
Our busiest time is at Christmas. We prepare hampers for 85 to 90 households. The hampers we provide are filled with a variety of food items for approximately a two week period. Many of these families are also helped at different times throughout the year with food hampers.
People took Angels from the Angel Tree, letting them know what kind of toys were needed, and South Branch school donated money to buy toys that were missing after the Angels were gone. There is simply a lot of generous people in our wonderful community.
At Christmas, we put up a tree at the back of Holy Cross Church and fill it with cards asking for gifts of clothing, toys and games for children, from newborns up to the age of 16 and some older children who are challenged. The gifts from our tree are provided through the generosity of Holy Cross parishioners and members of the community.
The list of items indicated on the cards is obtained from the parents. In order to be part of this campaign, the parents need to apply to our food bank director who will do some screening to qualify the request, then pass on their names etc. to our Christmas committee who will do additional screening and once satisfied, they will obtain all the particulars necessary to try and fill the requests. In addition, our committee will contact the families we have helped out during the year, if we have not heard from them, to see if help is still required, to ensure they and their children will be able to celebrate this wonderful time of year.
We are fortunate to have a Knights council, parishioners and other members of our community who take pride in doing whatever they can to assist North Grenville when help is needed most. At Christmas time we’ll have anywhere from 40 to 50 people helping out with sorting food items, organizing and completing the packing, and delivering.
North Grenville has to be the most generous and giving community in Eastern Ontario.
Once again, on behalf of the Knights of Columbus council 5333, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank everyone who makes this endeavor possible. Without you we would not be able to do what we do.
Merry Christmas, health and happiness to all for 2020
Michel Blais, Grand Knight
