Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of Salvation Army Thunder Bay, receives a cheque from Cynthia Judge, President of Fort William Rotary.
Tanner Harris, Kitchen Manager of the RFDA, receives a cheque from Cynthia Judge, President of Fort William Rotary.Thunder Bay) Fort William Rotary is marking the end of 2020 by donating $35,000 to local charities. FW Rotary President Cynthia Judge presented two cheques; one for $25,000 to the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), and the other cheque of $10,000 to the Salvation Army.
The $25,000 donation to the RFDA will be going towards their Christmas Hampers which provide a week’s supply of food for seniors and singles. “Every year we worry about whether we’ll be able to run our holiday hamper program for singles and seniors. We are so grateful that this year Fort William Rotary was able to make it happen for those in our community who are vulnerable and have increased food needs over the holidays. Thank you so much,” said Volker Kromm, Executive Director of the RFDA.
The donation to the Salvation Army for their Christmas Kettle campaign brought the total raised to $211,063 of their $220,000 goal to date. “Simply put, if it was not for faithful supporters like the Fort William Rotary Club, we would not be able to do the work we do. Thank you so much for providing the funds we need to make a difference in lives of those that struggle in our own community” said Gary Ferguson, Executive Director, The Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre.
“2020 has been a tough year for charities and we as Rotarians believe in serving to make a positive impact on our communities,” said Cynthia. “Not only have we donated to these worthy campaigns, but our members also volunteered by packing the hampers and volunteering at kettle locations.”
The funds were part of the proceeds of the recent Fort William Rotary House Lottery which, despite some additional costs and challenges due to the pandemic, raised over $440,000! The proceeds from the 2020 House Lottery will help over 15 local charities Plans are already underway on the 2021 House.