On July 26, representatives from the school board met with Frank Johnston and Peter Bogaert, President and Vice President of the Sacred Heart Food Bank, at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Port Lambton. They were there to oversee the portable's preparation for relocation. The new storage unit will be moved to Sacred Heart Catholic Church property, providing easier access and more space.
(Photo L-R) Peter Bogart and Fank Johnston, President & Vice President of the Sacred Heart Food Bank; Marcie Myers, Manager - Financial Services, SCCDSB and Rachel Johnston, Coordinator - Captial Projects, SCCDSB
The new facility will allow the food bank to store and distribute a wider variety of food items, including perishables, thanks to the installation of coolers and freezers. This is crucial as the need for food bank services continues to grow every year.
Johnston expressed his gratitude, saying, "The new portable will vastly improve our storage conditions. We've been using the basement of the Anglican Church for the better part of ten years, and while we appreciate their partnership and support, this upgrade to a ground-level facility will eliminate the need for stairs and greatly enhance our operations."
The relocation of the portable on July 27 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Sacred Heart Food Bank. Next steps include installing hydro, a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and a delivery deck, with plans to be fully operational by November for their annual food drive. The community's ongoing support is crucial as the food bank transitions to its new home, ensuring that no household in the old Sombra Township area, from the Bickford Line to the north, to the Whitebread Line to the south, east to the Mandaumin Road goes without the assistance they need.
"This collaboration exemplifies the power of community," says Scott Johnson, Director of Education. "By coming together, we are not only addressing immediate needs of the community but also building a foundation for long-term support and care. It's inspiring to see how our collective efforts can make a tangible difference in people's lives."
Bogaert expressed his gratitude to all involved: "We are deeply thankful to the St. Clair Catholic School Board, the Diocese, the Anglican Church, the municipality, the Athletic Association, the Optimist Club, all of our private donors, and everyone else who has supported us in this move."
Portable relocated to the north-west corner of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church property.
