Goodfellows hampers will feed 120 families

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — The Leamington-Mersea Goodfellows were able to pivot and get gift cards to about 160 families last holiday season, due to COVID restrictions, but this year they are back on track with their collection and distribution to needy local families.

Last Saturday, the annual Leamington District Secondary School Grade 12 can drive took place and the students collected enough cans to jump-start the program.

The two teams, which up until now have been separated into girls and boys team, were formed with the names ‘Pantry Providers’ and ‘Lucky Charms’.

At stake during the can drive was bragging rights for the rest of the school year and a trophy presented to the team that collected the most.

Volunteers sort canned goods and produce into bins for the Leamington Mersea Goodfellows on Friday, December 10.

SUN photo

Each team was spotted 7,400 cans from local corporate donations before they hit the streets of Leamington on Saturday, December 11.

In addition, a total of $11,000 was generously collected from the community, which allowed each team three cans for every dollar they collected.

When the dust settled, Pantry Providers came out on top with 27,662 cans collected. The Lucky Charms collected 27,430.

It was the closest can count in recent history, according to Goodfellows spokesperson Bill Slater.

On Tuesday, December 14, Goodfellows volunteers were joined by some of the students to fill 500 bushel baskets.

Each of the 120 families in need will receive at least four baskets full of canned goods, fresh vegetables and of course, a turkey.

Distribution will take place on Saturday, December 18.

In the back row are Goodfellows volunteers, from left, Rudy Dyck, Bill Slater, John Penner and Roger Jaarsma. In front are student volunteers Kylee Dekold, Rendel Arner, Sita Voeun and Jacey Foster.

SUN photo