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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 19, 2007 - 15 Wrap up a scarf for Fareshare By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Thank You Oakville for a Record Year A new scarf will do more than keep you warm this Christmas, it will help fill the tummy of someone in need, very likely a child. Once again, the sale of Roots Canada scarves at FirstOntario Credit Union on Kerr Street, will benefit Oakville's Fareshare Food Bank. For the first time since the program began in 2004, 100 per cent of the $14.95 sale price will go to Fareshare. The scarf sales are what FirstOntario Credit Union calls its Out of the Cold program, which sees proceeds from the sale of the Roots scarves go to food banks in each credit union's local community. Last year in Oakville, $2,191 was raised. That compared to $2,300 the previous year and nearly $500 raised in its first year. Last year $11 of the $14.95 sale price went to Fareshare. This year, the full sale price goes to Fareshare. "This year the full amount will go to the food bank," said Dudley Clarke, volunteer director of Fareshare, which is located at 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6. FirstOntario Credit Union's nearly 20 locations ­ including its Kerr "All of these things we need to be in a position to provide a helping hand to those in need." Dudley Clarke, Fareshare Food Bank Street operation -- are participating in Out of the Cold. The program's motto is "One scarf can warm a whole community." In 2004, when the program first started, the scarves available were navy blue. The following year, a tan scarf was introduced. The same navy blue and tan models are available this year and could make a nice Christmas gift. According to Clarke the program is appreciated by Fareshare as the need in town continues unabated. Fareshare has averaged 315 visits per month in 2007 -- not a huge hike in demand, however not a reduction over previous years either. This year, in particular, Fareshare's annual Thanksgiving food drive saw fewer donations than usual, and its next big drive won't be held until Easter. That has led to Fareshare con- ducting a drive throughout the Christmas season in hopes of augmenting its inventory. The drive will wrap up on Christmas Eve. The food bank is serving mostly families ­ making at least half of its clientele children. Donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated especially canned fruit, canned vegetables (except corn), canned pasta, canned stew, coffee, crackers and cookies, baby formula and baby food. Donations can be made at the Fareshare Food Bank bins in local grocery stores, Fareshare itself on Speers Road or at local fire stations. While food donations are needed, the food bank also needs cash. The money is used to purchase additional food, which is not part of the normal food drive -- chicken, ground beef, cheese and fish. This month, the food bank is supplying all clients with turkey for Christmas along with trimmings like gravy and cranberry sauce. "We couldn't do this without the monetary donations we get from people," said Clarke. Those wishing to donate money can mail it to 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6, Oakville ON L6L 2X4. Cheques should be made out to Fareshare Food Bank and tax receipts are available on request. Those who can't donate cash or food, could donate time -- as a volunteer -- by calling 905-845-8014. "All of these things we need to be in a position to provide a helping hand to those in need," said Clarke. Fareshare first opened in 1988. Families make up the largest percentage of clients. Families must provide proof they qualify to use Fareshare and the number of members determines what quantity of food can be accessed on a monthly basis. Food acquired there is usually enough to last only a week, explained Clarke. 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