Peninsula Community Food Bank

Wiarton, ON-  On Thursday April 24, in the Salvation Army church auditorium in Wiarton Ontario, various community dignitaries, students, donors, contractors, local area social clubs, council members and the media cheered and clapped as the Peninsula Community Food Bank Upgrade Project’s new facility was officially opened.  The newly renovated and expanded food bank boasts enormous walk-in freezers, coolers, shelving and ample storage space. 

Mike Mason of the Wiarton Rotary Club said the plans to expand the existing Wiarton Salvation Army food bank began in December of 2011. In early February 2013, a presentation to the council of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula was followed up by a telephone call to the Wiarton and District Lion’s Club. “One thing led to another,” said Mason. “A project greater than any of us could have imagined evolved.”

Mason says the community identified with this need and came together in hoards. Local area contractors, spearheaded by the volunteer dedication of Jim Howe, built the facility free of charge or at cost. The community raised an astounding $72,000 and added it to the $30,000 contributed by The Salvation Army for a total project budget of $102,000.

This was truly a community coming together to help those in need. All community partners were present and over 100 community members came out for the passing of the key and the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Salvation Army is alive in Wiarton.

A large number of supporters gathered for the official opening celebrations.