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Lakeshore Advance, 2013-01-30, Page 66 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, January 30, 2013 Food bank seeks new location, possible name change Gord Whitehead OMI Agency Known for more than 22 years as Ailsa Craig and Area Food Bank, a new name is being pondered to more accurately represent the huge area it serves. Consideration of the name change coincides with a major capital campaign t0 raise $400,000 to $500,000 for a new home for the food bank and its related thrift store. While located in the heart of North Middlesex at Ailsa Craig Main and Jamieson Streets, the food bank also serves residents of half of Lambton Shores and all of Lucan Biddulph and Middlesex Centre, said manager Mark Isaac Isaac. "We are seeking a name that better covers the geographical area or a more general name." The first phase for fundraising is to obtain $75,000 by late February to close the purchase of the vacant lot most recently occupied by the Pinewood Res- taurant near the southeast corner of Ailsa Craig Main and Stewart Streets. 'Ihe his- toric Pinewood building was destroyed by fire on February 19, 2010. The directors' preference is to also purchase the adjacent Main -Stewart corner lot that has been unoccupied since the demolition of an abandoned house in the 1990s. Owners of that property recently listed it on the real estate market and it would be of immense benefit for trucking access to the food bank, said Isaac. "We've pulled together a capital cam- paign committee. They're an eager bunch, trying to give me guidance and help me find many options for funding," the manager reported. "I've been out speaking two or three nights a week." Isaac said the food bank has won the support of the Lion's Club zone, meaning that each of its clubs will donate to the cause. "The Legion (Branch 341) in Parkhill has offered to help with fund- raising. They'll contact other Legions and service clubs;' The business association in llderton is creating a fundraising plan. Municipali- ties in the food bank's coverage area are being approached for grants. Detailed building plans are not yet completed, but the general concept is for a one -storey structure - to avoid accessi- bility issues - with 6,500 square foot floor space compared to the approximately 5,000 square foot rented facility that has housed the food bank and thrift store since their inception in 1990. Depending on the type of structure, the total cost for construction and land purchase could range from $400,000 to $500,000, Isaac estimated. The concept includes a commercial kitchen with walk-in freezer and cold storage unit so that bulk food shipments can be accepted from the association of food banks - a major opportunity currently missed out on with only four small household style freezers. Also planned, is a multi-purpose room in which programs such as instruction in canning techniques can be offered to clients. "It could also be available to community groups for meetings and also be an intake office for The New Office Hours for The Lakeshore Advance will be as follows... Mondays - 8am - 4pm Tuesdays - CLOSED Wednesdays - 9am - 4pm Thursdays - 9 am - 4pm Fridays - 8am - 4pm 58 Ontario St. N., Grand Bend PH: 519-238-5383 FAX: 238-5131 EMAIL: lakeshorc.advance0osunmedia.ca Gord Whitehead Embracing a still -to -be filled building fund donation jar, Ailsa Craig and Area Food Bank manager Mark Isaac stands on on the land where he hopes that his public service facility will be relocated. It is the site of a building that dated back 140 years from the Western Hotel to the Pinewood Restaurant which was destroyed in a February 19, 2010 fire. Craig Lodge Masonic Hall Is in the background. us to meet clients;' said Isaac. He also raised the possibility that Ailsa Craig and area residents who have transportation issues could be served in the multi-pur- pose room by providers from the Northwest Middlesex Multi -Serv- ice Centre, based in Parkhill. "I'm hoping to be in the new building by this fall," said Isaac. Ile has sent a letter of apprecia- tion to landlords of the current food bank/thrift store facility. They've chosen to sell the building but Isaac explained, "After consideration, the board of directors felt the costs of upgrad- ing and bringing the building up to the current code that would be required of a new owner was pro- hibitive to that decision." ON I Smile! DATE %'.td. LINta' Yaa4e Se400l r►dr(t, 4 Selto4 • �► ,t ."faoocuttioa j $ I 1,260 Grand Bend Public School Home & School Association were the recipients of the 2012 Grand BendTim Horton's Smile Cookie Funds. The money is to pay for an Anti- Bullying Campaign for the children, staff and parents of this school. "No one is sate from the plague of bullying," says member Amy Wiseman. This Spring a HIP HOP Anti -Bullying Production is coming to GBPS. tt will teach the children life lessons of tolerance, acceptance, what it means to be a friend and unity. All through fury, dance, music and art. There will also be a parent seminar in the evening. Shown here are Beverly Barker, Kelly Sherman, Brian Daliner owner of Grand Bend & Parkhill Tim Horton's and Karen Wilson in front and Ridley & Aldan Wiseman accepting the cheque on behalf of GBPS Home & School Association.