Submitted by Linda Godhue
On August 22nd the OPP Auxiliary once again had a Cruiser outside of Peacock’s Foodland ready to be stuffed with donations for the Tobermory Food Bank. This year’s donations saw a significant increase with grocery items donated weighing in at 226.5 kg (499lb.) and cash donations totaling $666.45. The grocery donations were 30% higher and cash donations 17% higher than the event in August 2025.
We are very aware of the generosity of our community, but when the Stuff the Cruiser event is held during the time we have many visitors from other communities, their generosity is also reflected in the amount of donations received. This could be attributed to the heightened awareness of the increase in Food Bank use in our province and our country. Also, it may be a way of visitors saying thank you and supporting a community that they found welcoming.
Combined with the generosity of our neighbours and visitors, the Tobermory Food Bank is helped so much as we approach fall and winter when an increase in need is anticipated.
We know from past experience that the coming fall and winter months can cause hardship for those facing Food Insecurity. But this year with the cost of groceries and fuel being so much higher, those who have managed in the past, may now find themselves for the first time facing Food Insecurity. A recent report from Breakfast Clubs Canada stated that 1 in 3 children in Ontario live in a food-insecure household. A very startling fact.
A very big thank you to those who donated on Saturday August 22nd. Also, a special thank you to Staff Sergeant Tom Buckley from the OPP Auxiliary who was at the Cruiser collecting the donations. Staff Sergeant Buckley has overseen this very important twice a year event for the Tobermory Food Bank, for many years. The Tobermory Food Bank appreciates that Peacock’s Foodland has hosted the event at their present location and previous location downtown for many years.
If you missed donating at the Stuff the Cruiser event, there are many ways of still donating. You can drop off grocery items at Tobermory Post Office or Tobermory Food Bank during regular Food Bank Hours (Tuesdays 1-3 p.m. at The Meeting Place 20 Centennial Drive, Tobermory).
Cash donations can be made by e-transfer to tobermoryfoodbank@gmail.com including your full name and mailing address. You can also donate by sending a cheque to P.O. Box 144, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0. And you can donate through Canada Helps using a credit card. Cash or cheque can also be dropped off to the Tobermory Food Bank during regular business hours (as above). Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.
The support we receive locally and beyond is much appreciated as we continue our work assisting those most in need in our community. If you have any questions about the donor process or any other questions about the Tobermory Food Bank you can visit tobermoryfoodbank.ca or call Linda at 519-596-2333.
