The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Scugog’s dynamic duo There’s something inspiring about the bond of friendship, but when the friends in question are two of Scugog’s most dedicated volunteers it’s especially grat Anne Wanninkhof and Kathryn Gundry have operated the local food bank for an impressive 27 years and they were cited for their efforts earlier this year by Mayor Marilyn Pearce by being named to the town- ship’s Honour Roll. It all started with Anne’s job as a work- er at Social Services. She got to know the Public Health personnel and began parce- ling sweets for the elderly in her home. During this time Anne gained experience at offices in Oshawa, Ajax and Uxbridge, and soon had the administrative and the volun- teer base to observer outreach from a differ- ent perspective. ine covered Scugog, Brock and Uxbridge Townships as a case worker at various times and was caring Anne and Kathryn, with the help of Chris Cook and 30 other volunteers, function as the hub of a wheel. They partner with the churches in the region who each take one month to supply Opera- tion Scugog with food. The organization also assists clients with needs such as den- tal, medications, utilities, rent or mortgage assistance (if nec- ‘ssary) — even such dilemmas as hockey fees, swimming reg- istration or other activities for children. “We know that if kids are busy, they are not out on the street,” says Anne. All this is possible due to donations from the public and institutions such as the Rotary Club, Baagwatting Association and the Great Blue Heron Casino. Should they not be able to help mots evi los We never do anything Set sty, Sone an Kathy Gundry explained without each other. I talk other organizations that “at that time, the social to her, She talks to me.” such as public health planning council of Scugog felt that there was a need for a food bank because some of the churches had their own food drives, so they decided to start a clothing depot on Casimir Street to finance it.” Unfortunately the clothing depot failed. When the building was sold, she began assisting Anne at the local food bank. What is now know as ‘Operation Scugog’ took up residence in the basement of the Scout Hall when space was offered by the Kinsmen. “I know the people because I worked in the field and then Kathryn is always here,” says Anne. “We never do anything without each other. I talk to her. She talks to me. But the space was too small, necessitat- ing freezers in hallways and bookkeeper Beverley Travis working from the kitchen. ears ago several members of Victor Christian Centre assisted the ladies in acquiring a portable. They donated the site on Alma Street in exchange for a con- tribution, and partnered with Operation Scu- gog on utilities. “And there are no stairs,” says Anne. “We're all getting older!” 8 FOCUS - NOVEMBER 2006 ... Anne Wanninkhof or refer to service or- ganizations in other re- gions. They are careful to not overtax their own volunteers by operating on a “one week per month” schedule floating four or five people each week. These volunteers collect sup- plies from the grocery stores on Monday, ‘Wednesday and Friday as well as sorting what churches deliver. Operation Scugog sponsors a Commu- nity Kitchen cooking class for parents and children at Port Perry United Church on Wednesdays, supplies the Health Depart- ment with food or funds whenever neces- sary, assists in relief efforts (ie. fires) and fa- cilitates the creation of newborn baskets for the Health Department. Church volunteers often knit or quilt items which either Opera- tion Scugog or the Health Department dis- tribute. “We're the middlemen in a lot of ways,” explains Anne. They also sent 36 Scugog children to a YMCA camp last summer as part of their support of the community. Both the Clothing and Toy Sale and the Anne Wanninkhof and Kathy Gundry Christmas Hamper program are operated as well-oiled machines by separate sub-commit- tees under Anne and Kathryn’s supervision. The Clothing and Toy Sale, which fills the Scugog Community Centre with consignors, only requires the services of their treasur- er. TheC ized by an 8-member committee who meet with Anne and Kathryn three times start- ing in October. Local schools and churches both supply Christmas baskets and direct needy families to the services of Operation ugog. Collection and distribution will take place on December 20th this year in Victory’s au- ditorium with a lunch provided to all volun- teers by the ladies’ auxiliary. Single clients have a choice of receiving a Christmas hamper and a turkey voucher or $40 to provide their own; couples may opt-out at $75. This AdoptA-Family program served 179 families in our community last year. “It’s a wonderful circle of caring,” says Kathryn. Anne and Kathryn both dismiss the recent honour, preferring to step back and Jet our volunteers get recognized. Kathryn simply explains that it’s nice to see that Operation Scugog has evolved so well. fog is certainly grateful for the unique contribution of Anne Wanninkhof and Kathryn Gundry to our community. For more information call 905-985-3087 or visit 593 Alma Street in Port Perry. By Barbara Hunt focus@observerpub.ca