Top marks for Iroquois Public School ‘food drive’

   In the presence of serving and retired members of the regiment he helped found, representatives of the Canadian Medical Corps, the First Nations, municipal and provincial politicians and dignitaries, Colonel Darby Bergin (1826-1896) was […]

“A lot of people didn’t even know it had happened until it was over,” said South Dundas Councillor Evonne Delegarde, in reference to the Boil Water Advisory in August.

On December 20th, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald put forth a final version of the new Boil Water Advisory Protocol. Discussion ensued and it was eventually decided that more work needed to be done on the protocol, leaving the motion deferred until a later date.

The report included lists of establishments to be notified, lists of places to mount warning advertisements, and lists of media to be contacted in the event of another emergency situation. 

It was also suggested that a database of resident contact information be compiled so that people might be contacted via phone, whether by township employees or by a paid outside source.

After reading the report and listening to McDonald’s recommendation, Delegarde pointed out, “a lot of elderly don’t get out” to see posted signs in the community.

She told council: “my preference would be to go door-to-door right off the start.”

Councillor Archie Mellan reminded council: “the first few hours are probably the most critical.” He maintained that “whatever (method) is the most thorough and the quickest is the best, in my mind.”

Council discussed the positives and negatives of several methods  for conveying critical news to the residents of South Dundas. 

In terms of telephone versus door-to-door, Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “most young people don’t use land lines anymore and most cell phones aren’t listed. Door-to-door is our best and most economical option.”

McDonald reminded council that “our response is contingent on how many people we have available to do it.”

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke suggested the Lions Clubs as possible volunteers to help in such a situation.

It was agreed by everyone that a resource base of volunteers would be a very valuable tool. The  underlying idea being that the more people on hand to spread the information, the quicker people are informed. 

In the end, McDonald agreed to come back to council, in January, with revisions to the protocol.

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 this holiday season.

Exchange organizer, Carol Richer said the number of boxes packed by the Exchange was down from last year. However, there were more registrations for single persons, 30, who pick up their supplies at the Food Bank.

Figures this year show that almost 200 children benefitted from the Exchange dinners and the various Angels Trees that collected gifts.

“With the adults (13 years and up), the children and the 30 singles, we probably provided enough food for about 465 people,” said Richer.

While the Exchange makes use of the canned food that is donated by the community, much of the ingredients for the meal are purchased through cash donations.

“Seaway High did a great job with their food drive and Ross Video also held a food drive. That is all in addition to the food donated through area churches and by individuals,” said Richer. “Those receiving boxes have the choice of ham or turkey which we buy along, with the fresh vegetables and fruit.”

These include potatoes, carrots and oranges.

“We are very fortunate here,” said Richer. “Our donations have come in enough to cover our expenses. I have heard that other areas haven’t been as fortunate.”

In addition to the food, cash and toys/gift donations, the Exchange counts heavily on other sorts of donations.

“The Seaway Valley Pharmacy covers all of our advertising in the newspaper. We have businesses and churches all supporting us, along with private donations. Then there is Craig Packaging that supplies us with the boxes. Where would we be without the boxes. It would be impossible. And we have the use of the Legion Hall here every year.”

“We have the banks who allow us to set up the Angel Trees and the Lions Club, Sandra Johnston in Iroquois and Beavers Dental who take care of the Angel Tree program. Then there are the kids, like those from St. Mary/St. Cecilia’s who step in and put the boxes together.”

“Sometimes stuff just shows up and I have no idea where it came from.”

“I get cards in the mail with cheques. Some come from people living on pensions, who feel this is so important.”

Richer explained that the Exchange also counts on its volunteers who organize, transport and sort the food and then pack everything in the boxes.

“Some volunteers have been doing this for many, many years. This year we had a healthy group of new volunteers which is nice to see.”

“The whole process is like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows what has to be done. They latch onto the new people and the job gets finished.”

For the last several years the Exchange has coordinated its effort with the Food Bank. All non-perishable food that does not go into a food box goes to the Food Bank.

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