www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday October 24, 2007 - 19 Thanksgiving food drive comes up short for Fareshare By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF As Oakville grows, the good news is the number of food bank users is relatively stable. The bad news is people aren't donating like they used to. "Our Thanksgiving food drive is over and I have to report that it didn't go that well," admitted Dudley Clarke, volunteer director of Oakville's Fareshare Food Bank. "I don't know what's happening," said Clarke. This year about 43,000 lbs. of food was donated -- and Clarke is grateful. However, it compares dismally to the 66,000 lbs. donated just three years ago. The numbers have been dropping annually said Clarke, noting in 2005, the food drive drew 58,000 lbs. of donations. "This is the second Thanksgiving food drive we've had where the collections have not been even close to what they had been in the few years previously," said Clarke. At one time, the Thanksgiving food drive was the larger of two held annually, at Thanksgiving and Easter. "The Thanksgiving food drive represented a good 10 per cent more than the Easter food drive. That's no longer happening," said Clarke. "Something is occurring and I haven't a clue what it is," said Clarke, noting publicity for the food drive has remained stable and while there may be other food drives happening around the same time, that has always been the case so Clarke doesn't believe it has an influence. So as Oakville's population grows annually, and food bank client numbers remain stable -- about 315 families per month, people just aren't giv- ing like they once did. "We don't have a panic situation on our hands," said Clarke, but it will mean there won't be lots left over. While the food drive officially ended on Oct. 14, donations of non-perishable food items can be made at Fareshare donation bins located in local supermarkets including: Dominion, Sobeys, Price Chopper, Food Basics, the Great Canadian Super Store and Fortinos. Fareshare Food Bank is located at 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6 -- between Third and Fourth Lines -- and has been operating since 1988. For information call Fareshare at 905-847-3988. CAREER SERVICES at Skills Development & Training The Centre FOOT PAIN? Roger D. Newell, D. Pod. M., & Associates · over 30 years in practice · former teacher, Toronto General Hospital · former consultant, Ontario Ministry of Health Find out more at www.thecentre.on.ca Employment Ontario programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada Recognize These Problems? 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