By Amanda Milson | Special to the Valley Gazette
The Grind received $120,000 of community donations from people of all walks of life during their 9th annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, which remains open until the end of March. Funds are needed to ensure those living with the reality of food scarcity and those who are one paycheque away from having to make the decision to pay rent or feed themselves and their families, have the option to drop in for meals, community activities, and resources. This is prevention at work, and it is a beautiful thing.
A few hundred participants came together, at Algonquin College Pembroke Campus, to celebrate and nurture the continuity of support and care The Grind and their volunteers provide to those living on the periphery of poverty and isolation. Upon entering the college, the warm din of community was ever-present, as participants queued for registration, folks greeted each other with smiles, caught up with one another, took photos, and gathered for opening remarks.
Speakers included, Deacon Adrien Chaput, Carolyn Henderson, and Jerry Novak representing the board of directors, staff, and volunteers of The Grind, Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais, and Fred Backstein of St. John’s Ambulance. The message of ubiquitous support rang clear as they acknowledged the land, the nation, the municipality, the local businesses, and the individuals who worked together to surpass this year’s fundraising goal of $115,000.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Dr. Christy Natsis, Mulvihill’s, The McClusky Group, Knights of Columbus, MyFM, Griff Slaughter Experience, SunSign Graphics were acknowledged for their generous donations to this year’s event.
With the weather on our side, we started out on the planned route. The joy and camaraderie in the crowd was palpable. Derrick, a volunteer I met along the way, commented how it is so nice to see the valley community always working in harmony to support important social programs and families. He sees our generosity shine through each time there is a call for fundraising and resource building. Derrick leads the art program at The Grind on Thursday morning.
Our rest stop was located at Wesley United Church, where there is a soup kitchen in the evening for those who need of a hot meal. The Church, St. Joseph’s Food Bank, and The Grind work closely together to coordinate community supports for those who are struggling to make ends meet. We were greeted there by a few Starbucks employees who were providing warm drinks, treats, and smiles at the halfway mark.
Participants looped back towards the campus where there was soup waiting for them provided by SOPA, with buns and dessert by Valley Buns Bakery, beverages provided by Tim Hortons, and beautiful acoustic folk music in the commons by Derrick Linley.
The Grind provides basic elements that we all need to thrive; safety and acceptance. Their activities are essential to strong community roots and dignity for all. They provide meals, hygiene products, laundry, shower facilities, social activities and foster the warmth of knowing someone cares. Volunteers needed.
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