Towards the end of the summer as September approached, at St. Paul’s in picturesque Almonte we spent a lot of time at parish council meetings struggling with whether to put on our annual Harvest Supper or not. Many meals and a portion of the ticket sales from the Harvest Supper went to the Lanark County Food Bank and those struggling with food security as well as to those at Interval House, an emergency shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Other churches and organizations were starting to find ways to serve food and raise money with volunteer driven take-out projects. But the task seemed daunting for us as over the past 40 years of doing this supper, our numbers had crept up and we found ourselves regularly feeding over 500 people each September, even 700 one year. We also debated whether the Health Unit would allow us to make and sell our tourtières, another very popular local November fundraiser that often saw line ups down the street. And now there was COVID to think about as well.
The pandemic has taken a lot out of us, individually and collectively. It has drained us in ways we sometimes cannot understand, and our resilience is at an all-time low. Most parishes are struggling to figure out the balance between safety and worship and between safety and fellowship as well. In our aging congregation, volunteers are more vulnerable and more hesitant to get involved, at least for now. But nevertheless, we knew that here, within our community, and this country we call home, we are so blessed in so many ways. With that reminder ringing in our ears, so-to-speak, we were determined not to let COVID stop us from supporting those deeply affected by this pandemic, those struggling with so many challenges including mental illness, addiction and homelessness—all the ministries St Paul’s has supported in so many ways, for so many years.
This is how the Feeding Hope Together community fundraiser silent auction came to be. Running from Dec. 3 to 13, all proceeds will benefit the Lanark County Food Bank, Lanark County Interval House and the Ottawa Community Ministries. There will be more than 50 different items and packages for people to bid on, and we hope that Christmas shopping will be a strong motivator along with supporting these vital organizations. For those feeling especially generous, there will be an option on each page to bypass bidding on items and donate directly to Feeding Hope Together.
We have been blown away by the support from individuals and local businesses, big and small, all across the region. The 3 Apples Bakery in Pakenham, who already donate their (truly amazing: author’s note) gluten free fare directly to the Lanark County Food Bank, were on board to help with this fundraiser as soon they were asked. Arnprior and Carleton Place business have stepped up as well, along with those in Almonte.
We may not be able to feed people in the same way as we have in the past, but we are committed to Feeding Hope Together! For a chance to bid on some unique and exciting gifts and services, go to https://www.32auctions.com/FHT2021
St. John, Antrim — Deanery of the Southwest