Straight Talk with Nathan McKinlay

This is a question that we ask at least one person every day. The answer we like to get is ‘yes,’ however, we get a lot more people responding ‘no’ than you’d think. Having an updated will ensures that your estate is handled accurately and competently.

Acouplemorequestionsyoumayaskyourself:

“Who should I have as my estate trustee (formerly referred to as an executor/executrix)?”

The estate trustee is essentially the business manager of the estate. Ensure you have the proper person acting in that role. Ideally they would have a bit of business acumen, and would have peace keeper traits. Ensure that this person will carry out your wishes the way you want them. Remember, when you pass away, your estate trustee can take creative license with your funeral plans. An estate trustee has the power to change your wishes from burial to cremation, or cremation to burial, so ensure it is someone you trust.

“I am young, shiny and beautiful – why would I need a will?” makes it happen by reaching out to local producers and the community for food and cash donations. news for food banks hard hit by unprecedented demand. numbers...I had to read them a second time.”

Pam Wright/The Chatham Voice Salvation Army Maj. Stephen Holland, Kent Federation of Agriculture president Brad Snobelen, Mayor Darrin Canniff and Outreach for Hunger executive director Brenda LeClair showcase some of the food donated by the KFA to local food banks in honour of Canada Ag Day.

According to Outreach for Hunger executive director Brenda LeClair, demand for food rose 48 per cent in 2022 over 2021.

“We had 9,247 requests for help,” LeClair said.

LeClair said Chatham-Kent’s food bank problems are exacerbated by unaffordable housing and lack of opportunity for the unsheltered who are disabled or affected by mental illness.

The donation is welcome

“I’ve never seen an increase like that. I thought maybe I made a mistake when I calculated the

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“Not everybody is employable,” LeClair added. “Sometimes all we can do is offer help in the moment.”

The spike in rent is even forcing those with jobs to access the food bank to make ends meet.

LeClair called the KFA’s ongoing support “a real blessing,” not only for the fresh produce but for donations of protein-packed foods such as ground pork.

The KFA uses cash donations to purchase and package meats throughout the year, providing essential nutrition for needy families.

“People can make a meal with this,” LeClair said, noting finding protein sources is an ongoing challenge for food banks.

Snobelen said the KFA is happy to help.

“A good thing for the food banks is a consistent supply,” he said. “That’s what we use the cash donations for.”