Ron Lenyk, MPP Charles Sousa, the Port Credit BIA and community organizer Dan Meadowcroft have teamed up to organize ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas, a holiday fundraising campaign and food drive to benefit The Compass Food Bank and The Mississauga Food Bank.
The campaign will feature a number of fundraising events, including the highlight: a 500 person community dinner on December 10th at Oasis Convention Centre.
Charles Sousa is also organizing a turkey drive, asking individuals and local businesses to contribute towards the purchase of turkeys that will be delivered to the food banks on December 16th 2009. Non-Perishable food items are also being accepted at several businesses in Port Credit and MPP Sousa’s office.
The campaign seeks not only to raise funds, but also raise awareness of the challenges faced by Mississauga food banks, which have faced an increase in demand of over 20% since 2008.
‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas begins with a ‘kick off’ party at Roc’n Docs on December 6th.
People wishing to get involved in the campaign can contact Ellen Timms at info@portcredit.com.
QUOTES
“The Compass is very grateful for the Port Credit business community’s and Mr. Sousa’s support in raising funds as well as public awareness for the Compass. Our clients in south Mississauga will truly benefit from their efforts.”
- Andrew Briggs, Vice Chair, The Compass
“With demand for our services up 20% this year, The Mississauga Food Bank is thrilled to have been chosen as a recipient of the T‘was The Bite Before Christmas food drive led by the Port Credit Business Association.”
- Christopher Hatch, Executive Director, The Mississauga Food Bank
“In this time of economic uncertainty the need at the Mississauga Foodbank has grown. It is vital we provide any assistance possible. This is an honour for me to be able to help so many people in need. It is also rewarding to work with so many generous community volunteers – proving Mississaugans have big hearts. I encourage everyone to attend and show how much we care.”
- Ron Lenyk
"I was quite disturbed when I saw the increase in the number of people using the food bank. I knew that it was a cause where I could help. I am overwhelmed with the out pouring of generosity and the number of people more than willing to get involved. I am committed in helping to make a difference.“
- Dan Meadowcroft, Community Organizer
“Unfortunately, more families and children are in greater need this holiday season. We are fortunate, however, that so many are generously supporting this community-wide initiative. I am grateful for our community’s kindness and confident that this combined effort will have a strong impact on our food banks."
- Charles Sousa MPP, Mississauga South
“The Port Credit BIA is proud to co-ordinate this important initiative. This is the season of giving and we’re glad to see our community coming together like this to help with the campaign.”
- Ellen Timms, Executive Director, Port Credit BIA
QUICK FACTS
• The Mississauga Food Bank now feeds over 12,000 people per month – an increase of over 20% from last year.
• Donations of non-perishable food are being accepted at businesses across Port Credit, including MPP Sousa’s office
• People interested in contributing towards a turkey donation should email sousaturkeydrive@gmail.com
• Campaign sponsors include: Eurest Services, Sure Green Landscape, Lezanne Montgomery Floral Design, the Port Credit BIA, Westaire Air Conditioning & Heating Ltd., Frank Bailey Graphics and Oasis Convention Centre.
• 100% of money raised will go to benefit The Mississauga Food Bank and The Compass Food Bank