Newark receives $5,000 to support clients, food bank

Newark Neighbours volunteers happily accepted more than $5,000 from the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club Monday, grateful for the support.

The money was raised through an auction which allowed club members to bid for the season’s opening tee time, with the funds raised to go to the local food bank.

Although the club received several generous bids, one golfer, who couldn’t be there to play on opening day, offered $5,000. The member, who chose to remain anonymous, wanted to give the tee time to others who fell into the category of club legends and ambassadors.

When two long-standing senior members were unable to play that day, the club gave the tee time to the men’s Ryder Cup captain, Harry Huizer, and ladies Solheim Cup captain Martha Cruikshank.

Newark president Laura Gibson says the donation, which included an additional $420 from other members, will help keep the food bank pantry full.

Newark is receiving more requests for assistance than usual during the pandemic, she says. Board members have been looking for other ways to help regular clients of the food bank, and are considering using some of the funds to deliver meals from local restaurants as a way to help not only their clients but local businesses. “It would be a nice treat for families,” says Gibson.

The donation was an unexpected gift from the golf club, and Newark would like to pass it on with a gift to their clients.

This is a time when community groups, including charitable organizations, are finding ways to help each other, Gibson says.

The charity also needs a larger food bank area, and the money will help fund that as well.

Newark Neighbours has been safely providing food for clients throughout the pandemic, who have been appreciative of the assistance, she says.

The thrift store has been closed, and although volunteers are anxious to get back to work, “hopefully soon,” the space is very small, and protocols will have to be put in place for distancing, says volunteer Pat Fryer.