LAURIE WEIR
The RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food campaign continues to climb, with Smiths Falls showing its generosity on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Jim Wright, one of the campaign organizers, reported that Smiths Falls has surpassed last year’s cash donations, despite collecting fewer pounds of food. As of Monday, Nov. 25, the tally stands at $15,070 in cash and 21,703 lbs. of food.
“The pounds are down (33,426 last year) but the cash is up ($12,626.25 last year),” Wright said. “Once again, the Smiths Falls community came through, like they do every year.”
Donations were collected at Jonsson’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG), the Garden Market, Food Basics, and Giant Tiger.
Notable contributions include a $5,000 donation from Sylvie Jonsson, the new owner of YIG. Jonsson described the experience as “heartwarming.”
“The welcoming, the people, the generosity … it’s not just about writing a cheque,” Jonsson said. “It’s the people behind it and being proud to work here and to be part of this community. That made my decision so easy.”
Jonsson praised the collaboration with Natalie Soteroff, manager of the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank, describing it as a seamless partnership.
“With this crew here, there is nowhere to go but success,” Jonsson said.
The YIG continues to support the food bank year-round, with Soteroff highlighting the grocery store’s consistent contributions.
The Smiths Falls Civitan Club donated $3,000, raised largely through their radio bingo on myFM Perth. RCL Automotive also contributed $2,000 – not to mention their work as the title sponsor.
“We try to support the best we can throughout the year, and this year we always try and do a little bit extra,” said Leigh Craig of RCL Automotive. “Unfortunately, we are seeing the need, and for us, we don’t like to see the kids suffer.”
Garden Market celebrated its 43rd anniversary with a $4,300 donation and matched all food donations pound-for-pound.
“We’ve been part of the community for quite a few years at the retail level and have great support from the community,” said Joe Quattrochi. “We feel we need to give back.”
The Smiths Falls Community Food Bank is now assisting an average of 950 people each month—a number that has tripled year over year.
“January is our hardest month, so everything we got is what’s going to help us get through,” Soteroff said. “Almost daily, we get new clients, new families. It’s hard to see. It’s a business we don’t want to be in; unfortunately, we have to be.”
To the donors, Soteroff offered heartfelt gratitude. “Just thank you,” she said. “You are the reason our doors are open.”
COMING UP
Saturday, Nov. 30
Elgin: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Gordanier Freshmart
In support of the Elgin Food Bank.
Westport: 12 to 4 p.m., at Kudrinko’s
In support of the Westport Food Bank.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Portland: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Portland LCBO and RBC.
In support of the Portland Food Bank.
Merrickville: 1 to 4 p.m., at the Merrickville Food Market.
In support of the Merrickville Lions Club Christmas Food Hamper Campaign.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Athens: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Athens Fresh Market.
In support of the Athens Food Bank.
Delta: 1 to 4 p.m. at the Delta Country Market.
In support of the Delta Food Bank
