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Two of the highest profile traditions in Niagara West - the Grimsby Santa Claus Parade and the Grimsby Benevolent Fund/ Grimsby Firefighters Association’s food drive will return to “normal” this year. On hand for the roll out were: (L to R) Firefighter Jim Bergshoeff, GBF’s director of programs Ashley Marr, firefighter Jeff Dancer, GBF’s executive director Stacy Elia, and firefighter Steve Allingham. Check future editions of NewsNow for more details as things unfold for organizers. Williscraft - Photo
GBF/firefighter food drive returns to Grimsby By Mike Williscraft NewsNow The event may be familiar but the circumstances surrounding this year’s Grimsby Benevolent Fund/Grimsby Firefighters Association food drive is anything but “normal”. In 2019 a makeshift drive-thru parade was created and a drop off on Main Street kept the traditions alive. This year, the parade resumes its original format and firefighers will be picking up donations along the route. “It is still all about safety for the firefighters and our volunteers, said Stacy Elia, GBF’s executive director. “We will be collecting donations for the food drive prior to the parade at the GBF store at 40 Elm Street. We want only one location to limit exposure and simplify things for our volunteer base.”
Another example how the core of the tradition remains but moving parts have been adjusted will be the sorting and packing of food. In the past, this was a mass of organized confusion with upwards of 100 volunteers milling about as the process worked its magic. “This year, we will be limiting the number of volunteers doing that. We know there are many in the community who love helping out that night and we really appreciate it, but the way everyone can help this year is to donate food or gift cards instead of helping out with packing,” said Elia. One area Elia highlighted which could use some extra attention this year is donations geared to teens. “Teens are often the ones who kind of get forgotten. For them it is not about toys but items which can help
them mix with friends and socialize. We hear a lot about kids who walk down to McDonald’s or Little Caesars and wait outside when their friends grab lunch because they don’t have any money to go. Gift cards for any of those places, coffee shops, for example, help with fellowship and socializing which has been very difficult with COVID,” said Elia. “It’s been extremely lonely for them. They just want to hang out with their friends.” Elia invited anyone who knows of a family or individual in need to contact GBF and let them know. “People don’t want to ask for help, nobody does. We are just a phone call away and we understand that,” said Elia. “It’s ok to ask for help. We want people to reach out. You would be
amazed how many empty fridges we have in Grimsby. I had someone call the other day and I asked him what he had. He said a bottle of ketchup.” From the firefighters’ perspective, they are glad to help any way they can. “We’re very proud to be part of the food drive,” said firefighter and event co-organizer Jeff Dancer. “Our crew is excited to get things rolling.” The food drive bags will be delivered with NewsNow’s Nov. 18 edition. All donations dropped off at GBF prior to the parade will be tallied and counted as part of the overall food drive results. “It would be ideal if anyone donating a gift card could attach it to something larger, a card, an envelope, so we don’t miss it in a bag,” noted Dancer.