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The Oakville Beaver, Friday March 31, 2006 - 1 9 Fareshare Foodbank' s Easter Food Drive starts April 8 By H ow ard M ozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF While the average num ber of families that avail themselves of Oakville's Fareshare Foodbank has essentially flat-lined, upcoming efforts like the annual Easter Food Drive unfortunately remain as necessary as ever. "The fact is, with these numbers, our need for ongoing donations hasn't changed," said Fareshare spokesperson Dudley Clarke. From the average of 223 families (327 adults, 390 children) served by Fareshare each month in 2001, the num ber had increased to 319 (495 adults, 563 children) by 2004. Last year this figure dropped slightly to an aver age of 302 families (459 adults, 531 children). "This was a sign in the right direction," said "There are 500 kids whose parents are in a situation where they have to come in to the foodbank to make ends meet." Fareshare spokesperson Dudley Clarke Clarke, who explained that so far, 2006 remains on par with last year. `I 've got my fingers crossed. We're always hoping for less and less people." That said, the numbers remain far too high for Clarke's liking - especially when there's children involved. "There are 500 kids whose parents are in a situ ation where they have to come in to the foodbank to make ends meet," he said. The Easter Food Drive (April 8 to 23) is the agency's second-most important event of the year, which will go a long way to helping these young people and their parents. Donations of all nonperishable food are wel come, but needed most at this time are canned fruit and vegetables, canned tomatoes, canned salmon, rice, crackers and baby for m ula (liquid and dry). Donations of powdered laundry soap are also wel come. The public has the option of dropping off donations at any of Oakville's'fire halls or at Fareshare itself, located at 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6. The foodbank will be open during the drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. With few 'exceptions, most Oakville superm ar kets will provide drop-off bins while both Loblaws stores will have donation bags available. "I continue to be impressed by the continued generosity of people in Oakville, people who give year after year," said Clarke. "I've often wonder what motivates them." Whatever the reason, those wishing to donate money can also send cheques (for which income tax receipts will be issued) to 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6L 2X4. Cash donations will also be accepted at Loblaws' cus tomer service desks. The cash will be put to good use buying food that Fareshare runs short of and to provide parents with vouchers redeemable at local supermarkets for such items as milk and fresh fruit for their children. Last year Fareshare provided vouchers totaling more than $27,000. That's why it heartens Clarke to see the impact on Fareshare's shelves made by everyone from corporations to individuals. He's also reminded of the many schools that host food drives and even children who. forego Christmas and birthday presents, with the money going instead to the foodbank. Fareshare Foodbank, which is run entirely by vol unteers, has served needy Oakville families since 1988 but is not supported by any level of government. It does, however, receive help from a wide base of socially conscious civic groups, area businesses and individuals. For more information call 905-847-3988. Car+Home=Big Savings See me for Gar and Home Insurance and save. Deborah E Bartucci, Agent S T^T E FAR M Oakville, ON L6J 3J3 Bus: 905-337-3276 deborah.bartucci.qsu8@statefarm.com INSURANCE LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR, STATE FARM IS THERE." 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