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Huron Expositor, 2007-01-17, Page 5Opinion The Huron Expositor • January 17, 2007 Page 5 Seaforth and District Food Bank sees increased demand for service in 2006 To the Editor, The Seaforth and District Food Bank marked its 10th anniversary in 2006, and continues to serve individuals and families who have an inadequate supply of food. According to the annual survey conducted by the Canadian' Association of Food Banks, use of food banks has increased by 13 per cent since 1997. Those on social assistance and the work- ing poor are the largest client group, with 41 per cent of users being children, even though the federal government promised to eliminate child poverty some 17 years ago. These results suggest that welfare rates and employment wages are failing to meet the needs of many Canadians. While 73 per cent of Canadians identified hunger as a problem in Canada, food banks across Canada continue to receive no government funding. More than a third of food banks across Canada reported dif- ficulty meeting client demand. Closer to home, the Seaforth and District Food Bank experienced an increased demand for service (1991 individuals served in 2006, compared to 1921 clients in 2005). There was also an increase in the number of households served (745 in 2006, compared to 694 in 2005) as well as an increase in the number of emer- gency visits (31 in 2006, and 13 in 2005). Angeline Swart, our dedicated volunteer coor- dinator during the past four years resigned the position in late 2006, and Stan Mailloux has now taken up the challenge. The volunteer coor- dinator ensures there is an adequate supply of food, that volunteers are in place to operate the food Bank, and reports to the food bank commit- tee on a monthly or as needed basis. The food bank continues to operate Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the help of volunteers, as directed by the volunteer coordinator. The food bank business is conducted by a seven -person volunteer committee, representing area church- es. Unlike many food banks across Canada, the generosity of individuals, groups and business- es in the community has allowed the the food bank to continue to meet the needs of individu- als and families. The Municipality of Huron East continues to support the food bank by providing the space for the food bank operation, located at the back of the Huron East municipal building. The Seaforth and District Food Bank is a reg- istered charitable organization, whose mission statement is "A Christian way of caring by sharing with others." We welcome all donations of time, food and financial assistance. Thank you to the Seaforth and area for your continued, generous support during 2006. Sincerely, Joan Spittal Chairperson - Seaforth and District Food Bank Vicious storm closes down Seaforth and all major highways in 1982 JANUARY 13, 1882 Messrs. Brownell and Abeill of Seaforth have dissolved partner- ship and the draying business will be continued by Mr. Abeill while Mr. Brownell goes to the Northwest to seek his fortune there. Mr. McDonald's saw mill in Walton is running again. It is sur- prising the number of saw logs that were brought in last Saturday. Wm. Moir of Hensall sold a few days ago to an American buyer, a bay mare, for which he received the handsome price of $350. As an indication of the open warm weather which we at times enjoy this season, we may state that a snake made his appearance in Dr. Gouinlock's swamp some few days ago and his manner of travel- ling was witnessed by quite a num- ber of individuals who were work- ing near the spot. L. Meyer of Seaforth had a set of valuable silver mounted harness stolen from his driving house on Tuesday evening last. JANUARY 18, 1907 John Shine has disposed of his farm on the 5th concession of McKillop to August Hicknell for $5,500. We understand Mr. and Mrs. Shine intend returning to Seaforth to reside and we are sure our citizens will be pleased to wel- come from them back again. The engine and crane passed through Walton on Monday of this week to be used in placing the heavy iron girders in position on the bridges at Auburn and Saltford on the C.P.R. which we hope will soon be completed. At the Poultry Show on Wednesday, Bona Case disposed of a pair of her prize winning White Wyondottes for $25. This is a pret- tybig figure for two birds and shows that Miss Case must be a success at poultry raising.. JANUARY 15, 1932 D. Shanahan of Seaforth left this week for North Carolina where he will spend the winter months. Sam Forbes of Walton enter- tained a few of his friends to a fowl supper one evening this week. Messrs. Owen Geiger and sons of Hensall are waiting for favourable weather to get their flax mills in operation, as damp and mild weather shuts off work, but cold and frosty makes the work spin. The Misses Driscoll of Walton have installed a new electric radio from our local agent Mr. C. Bennett. JANUARY 18, 1957 Elmer Rivers is in Scott Memorial Hospital, Seaforth with a fractured leg. He was assisting in starting a tractor at the farm of John MacKay, south of town, Tuesday afternoon, when in some manner he slipped on the snow, snapping a bone in his thigh. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Weiland have got settled in their fine new resi- dence in Egmondville. We extend to them a hearty welcome and wish them many years of health. Fire early Wednesday morning caused extensive damage to the brick residence of Harold Bell, two miles southwest of Hensall. Dr. William D. Munn left Friday by air for England, where he will continue his post -graduate train- ing. JANUARY 13, 1982 Frigid temperatures, snow and swirling winds added up to a vicious storm that virtually shut down Seaforth and most of the dis- trict until Tuesday morning. For much of the storm visibility was almost nil, and all major highways in the area were closed. Seaforth and Area Fire Department responded to two alarms yesterday, the first time the trucks have been out on call since Dec. 3. Tuckersmith Township council moved its interim tax billing date ahead three months to March 15, when it met for its first regular meeting of the new year last Tuesday at Vanastra. Fifty per cent of a taxpayer's taxes, based on last year's mill rate, will be due at that time. An outdoor rink has been built at Seaforth Public School which is now available for public use. The rink is unsupervised and available for public use outside of school hours.