Together as one community we restrained our instinct to gather, going out into our community, knocking on doors and collecting a mountain of food as we have done for almost three decades to maintaining our social distance and reduce the spread of COVID 19. The tremendous demands that have been placed on our food bank and community service agencies as a result of the pandemic, has been matched by the generosity of the people through their donations to this campaign. The funds donated are already having an impact on the operations of the various agencies in responding to the critical need for emergency food services at this point in mid winter and we acknowledge their commitment and dedication in providing these most essential services and the hope and comfort that they bring to those in need.
 
A special acknowledgement to the Hamilton Community Foundation and the signature donation of the Fengate Community Foundation Fund, for their generous donation at the outset of the campaign, which set the tone and generated excitement throughout our community. “It is in giving that we receive” and our hope and wish for all who participated in any way to the success of this campaign, that your kindness and generosity be returned to you in equal or greater measure.
 
As we look to next year and our path through this pandemic, we long for a return to a more normal socially interactive life and the promise of a celebration of community for our 30th anniversary Ancaster Community Food Drive on Saturday March 5, 2022 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds.

Sincerely,

ACFD Committee

FEBRUARY 28TH TO MARCH 6TH

“We know pivoting to a fund drive this year is new. To inspire those in the community to give differently this year, we are thrilled to announce that the Fengate Community Foundation Fund will “kick off” the community drive with a generous donation of $31,200 ($3,900 to each of the 8 supported organizations) Fengate is long time supporter in the fight against hunger and we welcome their amazing support,” states Jim LoPresti co-chairman of the Ancaster Food Drive Organizing Committee.

“At Fengate, we believe in supporting the communities where we do business. The Ancaster Food Drive is helping people who are experiencing some of the greatest needs in recent history. Our company and our team are both proud and humbled to be able to extend support through our fund at Hamilton Community Foundation, and hope that the food drive will serve to inspire others to consider how they can contribute – in any way at this critical time,” says Lou Serafini Jr., President and CEO, Fengate Asset Management.

All funds raised will be distributed to the following supported agencies for food purchases; Ancaster Community Services, Hamilton Food Share, Good Shepherd Centres, Neighbour to Neighbour, The Salvation Army, Wesley Urban Ministries, Mission Services of Hamilton and St. Matthew’s House. Financial support may be directed to any participating organization.

Hamilton Food Share supplies approximately 4 million pounds of food each year to 13 food banks and 7 hot meal programs who report over 22,000 visits per month.

The Fengate Community Foundation Fund brings life to the high value Fengate places on good corporate citizenship through philanthropy, ensuring donations and support reach causes and programs with the most need.

Sincerely,
ACFD Committee

Although the current circumstances and requirements for continued social distancing and safety precautions due to the pandemic will prevent us from gathering in March 2021, the demands on our food bank and community service agencies has never been greater. We know the importance of the ACFD on providing a significant infusion of food during this mid winter period when the shelves of many agencies are almost empty. We remain confident that our continued sacrifices today, will get us to a better place and the hope that our 30th anniversary food drive in March of 2022, will be an awesome celebration of community.

In order to respond as a community to this unprecedented challenge in 2021, we invite your support for the 29th Ancaster Community Virtual Food Drive campaign culminating on Saturday March 6, 2021. We will not be knocking on your door this year, but we do hope you will be moved to making a financial donation directly to the agencies supported by the ACFD.

Although we will not be able to celebrate together this year, sharing the same physical space at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, let us share the warmth in our hearts that comes from service to others who need our help. Let us show this city the wonderful power and promise of having many individuals responding to the call to make a financial donation and to be able to do it from the convenience of the own computer, tablet or cell phone. Let us show our friends at these important agencies just how much Ancaster cares!

Sincerely,
ACFD Committee