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Huron Expositor, 2014-12-24, Page 15Huron Food Bank Distribution Centre makes multi-year funding request to county Dave Flaherty QMI Agency County staff will report back to council about a multi-year funding request from the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre. Mary Ellen Zielman and Anne Donohoe from the centre spoke to council at the Dec. 17 committee of the whole meeting, requesting annual funding of $60,000 for the next four years. Zielman said there were 20,000 residents of Huron County that were served by food banks in 2013, 7,600 of which were children. The distribution centre delivered approximately 2 million pounds of food to 66 supported agencies, 28 of which that are regularly. Also, 15,000 meals have been served at the Clinton Soup Kitchen since its inception. Zielman said there numerous reasons why res- idents have to use food banks, including job loss, death, illness and relation- ship breakdowns. She said these issues could lead to feelings of stress, being overwhelmed and hopelessness, which eventually can lead to more serious illnesses and greater health care costs. Donohoe said the fund- ing would provide the organization with financial stability, as they are heav- ily -volunteer driven. "We wouldn't be able to operate every day without 120 hours of volunteer work per week," she said. Last year, the county pro- vided $25,000 in funding to the centre. Donohoe said that money allowed them to hire new staff and distrib- ute to new suppliers. If the county chooses to support their request, it would give them more lev- erage when it comes to receiving matching funds from other levels of govern- ment and private organizations. "We need to collaborate, co-operate, connect and lead with compassion," Donohoe said. Huron East Deputy Mayor Joe Steffler was Scoreboard Seaforth Shuffleboard Dec. 17 Men's high: Erich Matzold, four wins; Joe VanDooren, Cor DeCorte, Hugo Menheere and John Coleman, three wins. Ladies' high: Charlotte Norton and Catherine DeCorte, three wins; Anne Auchterlonie, Carol Hoelscher, Velma Preszcator and Joyce Matzold, two wins. strongly in support of approving the request. "I'm amazed at the num- ber of people in Huron County who use a food bank," he said. "Charity starts at home, people going hungry in Huron County is unacceptable." CAO Brenda Orchard informed council that it is usually county policy to have staff bring a report back on such requests. Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he was in support of the request as well, but he had a few concerns. "I don't want the county to be what makes it sustainable," MacLellan said, requesting if the funding is approved, offi- cials from the distribution centre report back on the sta- tus of the organization yearly. Furthermore, he said he would prefer if the same request were not made to the next county council four years from now, stating it wouldn't be "sustainable." MacLellan also would like to see the county become more involved more with the distribution centre's fundrais- ing efforts. The staff report is expected in the new year. Wednesday, December 24, 2014 • Huron Expositor 15 Dale Group donates to Huron County Christmas Bureau Contributed photo Partner/Owner of Dale Group Realty, Sandra Dale (Center) presents a cheque for $2,000 to Barb Allen and Trish Harris on behalf of the Huron Christmas Bureau. "We are grateful for our continued growth throughout the county and value the opportunity to give back around the holidays," said Dale. "This year, instead of going crazy with Christmas advertising, we decided to double last years donation and reallocate our resources to those who need them the most." ea orthhuronex 1 ositor.co • 41}'"rao-a =ti-� GODERICFI 519 524 7811 FOR MOVIE INFOR TION... www.rna'rielirlks.r rii,udd,ufa1-800-165-34 11 DONNELL')+ D M ERS 0f E! Sr0HAL 0F.=C;°aT MURPHY Injured/ Insurance Disputes? 18 The Square, Goderich Phone: 519-524-2154 926 Queen Street, Kincardine Phone: 519-396-3636 www.donnellymurphy.com Problem Solved Right Here 50% OEC stmas Decor Off Regularly Priced St' 0 OH lard tag items l4Lan Final Priced items ng Day -Friday.., De0.26- 10 alai to 4 ptn D+ee.Z7.78 10 am to peas Man„ Dee 29 12- 4,Tucs., 10- New Year's Day -10 amto4 pro Dublin Nerd 59 Mill 51, UMIAK ON 519-345-9963 www.Dublinblercantile.co